End of an Era: Take 40 Australia

This weekend will see the end of an era. Take 40 Australia was Australia’s first and longest-running music countdowns. After 32 years – it will go silent.

Take 40 Australia first hit the airwaves in 1984 and was hosted by Barry Bissell for 20 years.  Barry counted down Australia’s 40 biggest songs until November 2009. He also celebrated Take 40’s 1000th show milestone in 2003.

The show hosting baton was then passed on to Andrew Günsberg who did Take 40 for five years. In November 2009, Günsberg was replaced by Kyle Sandilands and Jackie O. Kyle left the show at the end of 2011 and Jackie hosted Take 40 solo until 2013. When Kyle and Jackie O split from the Today Network, it was 2013 and Angus O’Loughlin stepped in and replaced Jackie O as host.

The next year Ash London was announced as co-host of the show joining Angus. London left the show at the end of 2015. At start of new year Emma Freedman joined as the Take 40 Co-host with Angus.

Take 40 was Authentic Entertainment’s original power brand, and as we know the company was recently acquired by Southern Cross Austereo. Today SCA announced a revamp to its weekend line-up from September 9^th and Take 40 was no longer part of the weekend roster.

Word is there is a special Take 40 this weekend as the final show goes to air.

What are your memories of Take 40 Australia?

Threading the tapes on the old reel to reel player? Freaking when the courier didn’t arrive?  A satellite pulse that failed?

Or was it the guests, interviews, the music or the hosts?