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About
3AW is Melbourne’s go-to talkback radio station, broadcasting news, sports, and live discussions 24/7. Operating for over 90 years, it remains one of the most-listened-to stations in Victoria and is currently owned by the Nine Radio network.
The format relies heavily on audience participation. Listeners regularly call into the studio to debate local issues, air grievances, or share breaking news. The daily lineup features sharp commentary on politics and current affairs, alongside practical additions like frequent traffic reports and local news flashes. For sports fans, the station is best known for its live AFL (Australian Football League) coverage and weekend match analysis.
I spent a few hours tuned into 3AW's morning slot last Thursday to see how it holds up today. The transition from hard news to talkback is incredibly fast—one minute the host is interviewing a state politician, and the next, a local truckie is calling in to complain about roadworks on the M1. It’s chaotic, loud, and uniquely Melbourne. Even during the longer ad breaks, the hyper-local focus keeps you hooked if you want to know what the city is actually talking about right now.
Slogan: "Melbourne's #1 radio station."
First air date: 22 February 1932
Call sign: 3AW
Owner: Nine Entertainment Co
Broadcast area: Melbourne RA1
Author: Vladimir Stanoff
Stations Nine Entertainment Co.
Presenters & Shows
Breakfast Ross Stevenson, Russel Howcroft Weekdays, 5:30–8:30am
Mornings Tom Elliot Mon–Fri, 8:30am–12pm
Afternoons Tony Moclair Mon–Fri, 12–3pm
3AW Drive Jacqui Felgate Weekdays, 3–6pm
Wide World of Sports Jimmy Bartel Mon–Thu, 6–7pm
Nights Denis Walter Mon–Thu 8pm–12am, Fri 7pm–12am
Australia Overnight Tony McManus Weeknight, 12–5:30am
Weekend Breakfast Darren James Weekends, 6am–12pm
The Weekend Break David Schwarz, Mark Allen Sat–Sun, 12–6pm
Footy Nightline Fri - Sat / 10pm - 12am
Frequency
- Melbourne 693 AM
Contacts
- Site: https://www.3aw.com.au/.
- Address: Media House, Level 7, 655 Collins Street Docklands VIC 3008 Australia.
- Phone number: 133 693, 1300 30 20 20, 03 8667 3600.
- E-mail: online@3aw.com.au.
Comments
- Des MalcolmMaybe the Andrews statue might be better placed in the Sunshine tip, as an economic measure. Considering the persistent damage it will endure, then the tip placement will eventuate much sooner, as scrap metal, than the State Govt realises.