3AW’s Alan Pearsall sacked, Hugh Marks addresses Macquarie staff

Former Assistant Editor
3AW Alan Pearsall

Nine’s shakeup of Macquarie Media continues with more changes at 3AW, as Weekend Overnight host Alan Pearsall gets the axe.

Pearsall hosted the show for 29 years, and told the Herald Sun he wasn’t afforded the opportunity to say goodbye to listeners, following a management meeting last Thursday (November 7).

“I did ask whether I could do the weekend shift (to say goodbye), but they said they were going to find a little spot for me to say farewell,”  he said. “I said that wasn’t going to be enough, so I left it be.”

“I’ve been there for a long time. After 29 years, you make a lot [of] radio friends. Even though you don’t know them personally, you feel like you’ve become part of their lives, and in many ways too, they’ve become part of my life.

“The people who call into all-night radio are a friendly mob, and they’ve given me a lot of joy for many years.”

Pearsall’s departure follows the recent departure of 3AW station boss Stephen Beers, while Nightline with Phillip Brady was axed in September and replaced by Nights with John Stanley.

Macquarie Media formally became a part of Nine on Monday morning, and the change was addressed in a note to Macquarie employees from Nine CEO Hugh Marks.

Marks said he was “tremendously excited” about the potential radio offers for Nine. “We have a great opportunity to lead the news conversation in each city and better engage with our audiences – be they television viewers, print and online readers or now listeners via radio or online,” he said.

He revealed he would be visiting 2GB and 3AW this week to introduce new radio boss Tom Malone, who recently spoke to Radio Today about getting started in his new role and his strategy moving forward for Nine’s radio assets.

Marks also thanked employees for their patience due to uncertainty in recent weeks surrounding the business.

“We are big believers in the power of Macquarie’s talk radio network and in its people. Talk radio has an innate power to drive debate and to speak up on behalf of the community,” continued Marks in his note.

“We are confident that with the full backing of Nine we can continue to grow the radio business and will work to ensure that you have the support, infrastructure and clarity to be able to do what you do best.”

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Kerri
11 Nov 2019 - 2:54 pm

Absolutely disgusted at the way Alan Pearsall was treated. Will never listen to 3AW again. The ONLY unbiased broadcaster on that station and a real gentleman.

Michael
11 Nov 2019 - 2:54 pm

“We are big believers in the power of Macquarie’s talk radio network and in its people.”

Except for Phillip Brady and Allan Pearsall.

Jim
11 Nov 2019 - 3:35 pm

Finally, can now listen to 3AW overnight on the weekends. Alan may have been a gentleman however, he was anything but unbiased.

Rob
11 Nov 2019 - 3:51 pm

Alan Pearsall,s Show was old world an boring, should have been replaced years ago.

Weeknights over nights an afternoons will be next.

John
11 Nov 2019 - 4:49 pm

Now can Neil?

Mary
11 Nov 2019 - 5:11 pm

Alan Pearsal may work at 3 AW for 29 years but he’s very biased sometimes rude arrogant.

Taine
11 Nov 2019 - 8:28 pm

I will miss Alan persall
And also Helen from Nhill talking to Alan every sunday morning

Alex
11 Nov 2019 - 8:45 pm

Alan was such a gentleman and an inquisitive human being who cared deeply for his audience. It’s such a shame 3AW don’t see value in anything other than Alan Jones.

Stan
11 Nov 2019 - 9:08 pm

3aw is PATHETIC. Only surviving on ‘family peace foundation’ ads. Which by the way are driving people to turn OFF. Shame on what you did to Alan.

Rob
11 Nov 2019 - 10:39 pm

Just remember it’s showbiz people

Tez
11 Nov 2019 - 11:26 pm

Who’s next to get the ax… Neil or Dennis… Shame on you CEO 3AW

Jill
12 Nov 2019 - 3:13 am

Alan Pearsall has the best Radio Voice in Melbourne and was a pleasure to listen to. Thank you Alan for the years of enjoyable radio listening. I am changing my station after 30+ years because 3AW is now not a Melbourne station and so far very boring. At least I am getting some sleep. I receive daily emails and most of thesse have Surveys asking your opinion from various organisations. Why did this not happen to the many listeners who formed a great part of the Weekend nights with Alan. 3AW – You are not listening to your listeners.

Joan Emery
12 Nov 2019 - 9:55 am

I am sorry to see Alan Pearsall off the talk back on weekends.I really enjoyed listening to him.All the best to yo Alan

Diddled
12 Nov 2019 - 9:56 am

“We are big believers in the power of Macquarie’s talk radio network and in its people.”

except those “people” we just made redundant. And then brought back a failed drive show to MSR because, ummm, no reason. What a joke!

Buckle up Tom Malone. You have inherited an absolute lemon.

DAVID Haydon
12 Nov 2019 - 10:00 am

Good bye 3aw . 9 will stuff it up big time . Who wants to listen to clowns from Sydney .

Gary Hewitt
12 Nov 2019 - 10:13 am

Mike Brady was great on Sat nights. Now They have put on a rehashed doctor. What a joke . Just leave Ross and John alone and Denis Walter for that matter. I do not like the whispers I am hearing AM radio in Melbourne is no more magic was great no music on any AM station

Lesley Carey
12 Nov 2019 - 10:45 am

I knew this would happen with the takeover, but unfortunately there always has to be sacrifices to cut costs. I am in NSW but stream Alan’s show just to listen to him and he is not biased but well balanced in his views. Shame on 3AW, is that any way to treat such a good talk back radio presenter. Alan had regular guests and I am going to miss them. I will miss the TV news from Jane on Saturdays and the Movie reviews from Jim on Sundays. Best wishes Alan, you will be sadly missed by your loyal audience.

Maureen Wainwright
12 Nov 2019 - 12:41 pm

After the dismissal of Red Symons from the ABC I started following AW but now with all the sacking going on I’m disappointed that yet another broadcaster has so little thought of both the favourite teams. Eg Alan,,Phillip,,etc,,and loyal listeners I’m going to switch again to Radio Eastern,Thanks for nothing Macquarie and nine

Greg
12 Nov 2019 - 1:34 pm

Re other comments on this post: One says Pearsall was the only unbiased broadcaster on 3AW, while others accuse him of various degrees of bias including “very biased”. I guess bias really is in the eye of the beholder, or ear of the listener.

Robyn Morgan-Stewart
12 Nov 2019 - 2:06 pm

3AW who will be next, shuch a shame its not Melbourne anymore and will miss Helen from Nhill as well.

Christine McKinlay
12 Nov 2019 - 3:36 pm

What a cruel and heartless decision not to give Alan a weekend to farewell his listeners, after nearly 30 years. It is cruel and heartless both to Alan and to all of the listeners, who also needed that time to say farewell and to try to adjust.
The decision also shows absolutely no respect for the listening audience – the countless loyal listeners and callers who have enjoyed and benefited from Alan’s overnight programme.
Surely, over the next four weeks, there can be a weekend for Alan and his listeners to say farewell.

Coral Smith
12 Nov 2019 - 4:14 pm

I’m absolutely disgusted with the way Alan Pearsall has been treated. After 29 years, he and, we the listeners, deserve more respect and consideration. I have enjoyed, when I’m actually awake, listening to Alan, overnight on weekends. At different times, he can make me laugh, aggravate me with some of his opinions, but always, entertains me, till I drop off again. I really don’t like the national programming that you are bringing in. I’ve stopped listening to 3AW late nights. I listen to music instead. Now, that will also happen overnight on the weekend!

Beverley Aloisi
12 Nov 2019 - 7:09 pm

I’ll miss Alan as I miss Phil & Simon
We now have someone new on Nightline, I’m not listening switched on last night at 11.55 it was still the 11/11 Remembrance Day the host chose to close his show with a Japanese song “Sukiyaki” sung entirely in Japanese in what world was that appropriate, would Phil & Simon done that, no way
Miss you guys

Susan Roumani
12 Nov 2019 - 11:25 pm

With the changes in the evening and weekends overnight 3aw has become boring!!!! Melbourne listeners want local broadcasters not the mundane ones from Sydney!!! I also will be looking for another station to listen to.

Marni Newman
12 Nov 2019 - 11:48 pm

I reckon they didn’t want him saying goodbye because they didn’t want to air all of the opinions of the listeners!
We have been silenced as they didn’t want a repeat of when Philip farewelled nightline and everyone called in to voice they’re disappointment

PJC
13 Nov 2019 - 12:16 am

Does 3AW still use the tagline of ‘Talking Melbourne’?? Surely that no longer applies..?

Nine/Macquarie need to be careful not to remove all the unique things that make 3AW so successful in its home market. Networking from 2GB might reduce costs and even managed to grow ratings at 4BC, but Melbourne is a different market to Brisbane and very different to the Harbour City. Melburnian’s prefer their ‘angry white men’ to be a little less hysterical.

Paul Clissold
13 Nov 2019 - 6:50 am

Alan pearsall spoke to our better angels (sorry sydney) however he has no place in our new station 3gb

Maxine Bradley
13 Nov 2019 - 6:51 am

Only listen to Ross & John and Tom Elliot absolutely disgusted with the treatment of Victorian listeners. I find night time radio now so boring and we are a different audience to Sydney and we victorians should have been treated with some respect.

Bruce
13 Nov 2019 - 7:09 am

Unfortunately none of your comments including mine will make any difference, the Corporate world is only focused on profit and not what people want or need.

Hopefully one day NINE will realise this though unlikely

Its just a sign of the times where the Corporations are only listening to these new millennial’s that have no experience.

Evie
13 Nov 2019 - 7:38 am

Words don’t describe my utter astonishment at the sacking of Alan Pearsall.
He was the only reason to listen to any nighttime radio on 3aw. The perfect voice and the demeanour to match.
Shame on you 3aw management for doing this.

Yvonne
13 Nov 2019 - 7:47 am

Bring back Alan Pearsall.
Presume all these replacement ‘hosts’ are from Sydney. They sound awful and seem to be over anxious, nervous and mostly lost for words. Not a good sign for radio.

PS to the nighttime guy who talks planes ad nauseam

Turning off all nighttime radio.

Paul
13 Nov 2019 - 8:00 am

So another capricious sydney business decision. Alan you simply didn’t fit into 3gb’s business model. So here we stand aunty is broadcasting all the way from yaraville to northcote on the me2 channel. While the home of the white lady is gently holding those greedy little boomers hand down the path to the right broadcasting from the morn with the right honourable neil mitchell the chief comissioner of talkback to tim in the afternoon (we’ll be right next year haha) finally landing at night aboard tony moclaire vc’s spruce goose.
We are crying out for a radio station in this city to broadcast, not just narrowcast, to us the ones who can’t fit into this manic choice.
Red, Alan, Richard, Vasilli, Paul ( not the chipmunk) the movie Paul too Karl and others can surely do a better job. Is anybody listening. Six million sets of ears are waiting.

Elly Rowan
13 Nov 2019 - 8:33 am

Chip, chipping away. Slowly but surely this new management is getting rid of Melbourne’s long standing local announcers and it won’t be long before 3 AW will be completely swallowed up by Sydney. I hope it back fires on them BIG TIME.

John Macleod
13 Nov 2019 - 1:27 pm

I will miss Alan.At times he was a bit to the left but his guests were interesting and his show informative.Dont like Channel 9 changing everything.It May well backfire.

Tracey Shepherd
13 Nov 2019 - 4:25 pm

Disgraceful and so disrespectful to very long term listeners of 3AW to, take off Phil and Simon and Allan.
We in Melbourne DONOT want Sydney announcers you guys have no idea about what we like on our airwaves.
Allan should have been given the chance to say goodbye as he requested but oh no that was too much to ask.
I turn off and listen to podcasts from 8-midnight thank goodness for Tony Moclair. Bring back Phil and Simon and leave Melb radio alone.

Barbara Kerambrun
13 Nov 2019 - 4:32 pm

I do not listen to overnight radio but tuned in at 5.30am on Saturday and Sunday to listen to Jane Holmes do her TV segment and then on Sunday the review on movies/theatre. Was very disappointed last weekend to hear a Sydney person broadcasting and it was not until I hear that Alan had been let go I realised why. Will not be bothering to listen on the weekends. As long as Ross and John continue through the week will listen to 3AW but otherwise 3AW has lost a listener.

Tracey
13 Nov 2019 - 4:39 pm

Gee you guys up in Sydney have taken 3 of our favourites of the 3AW radio and I’m not happy.
Very Long term listener of 3AW and we have this guy on in place of Phil and Simon who we don’t even know
Then Alan has gone and you guys couldn’t let him say good bye disgraceful.
Sydney stay out of Melbourne radio thank goodness for podcasts till Tony Moclair comes on.

Shirley Gardiner
14 Nov 2019 - 12:11 am

I looked forward to Fridays and Saturday nights with Alan Pearsall who I lookedgenerated topical discussions, forward to hearing. He shared of himself and had the hallmarks of being a being a diligent, perfect radio host.
Now you’ve created a void filling it with a stereotype. Frustrated, disgusted and angry with whoever did this underhand deed. Appalling!

Lorraine
14 Nov 2019 - 12:17 pm

What’s Alan going to do now !

Prudence Bills
14 Nov 2019 - 12:50 pm

I too was absolutely disgusted with the way 3AW disposed of Alan Pearsall.
We have listened to him for many years and found him to be a bright, entertaining, intelligent and informed broadcaster. He was also totally unbiased and listened to everyone
who phoned him even if he disagreed with their comments. Shame on you 3AW for dismissing him the way you did, after all the years he served you so well he most certainly didn’t deserve that sort of bullying dismissal.

Pam
14 Nov 2019 - 5:40 pm

Tom Malone, just in case you did not learn this while doing your MBA, radio stations grenerate revenue through advertising. The more listeners/higher ratings you have, the more likely the station will increase its number of advertisers. However, remove the presenters/announcers who attract listeners and you will ultimately lost advertisers. Many of your Sydney-based programs that are relayed to 3AW are basically psesudo advertorials which over time become boring and irrelevant and the reason listeners turn off. 3AW listeners are not “excited” by the new format and want local content. If they can’t get it on 693 they will seek and stay on another frequency where their wants and needs are satisfied.

Sandra
15 Nov 2019 - 7:36 pm

Agree with majority of 3aw listeners who are appalled at the manner
Alan Pearsall was removed. No forewarning to his loyal followers.
Ruined the pleasure and interest of my weekends overnight. Always happy
To forego some sleep at weekends.
A decent, interesting ,knowledgeable gentleman man is lost to Victorian Radio. He was fair with his comments and interacted with respect.
He also knew what music appealed to his audience .

So you, the new breed of Sydney based crew, are taking over the diminishing pleasures of radio in our State. When will NSW totally run this Country.
It is looking like heading in that direction. Do you place a use-by date on your staff.?

Jennie
16 Nov 2019 - 5:59 am

Very sad about Alans departure. Have not enjoyed the stations broadcast overnight, looking for a new station. At least Alan could gave bid farewell to his many listeners. We all will miss you Alan.

kaye selleck
16 Nov 2019 - 10:07 am

Seems to be, their has been no consideration for Melbourne listeners….all Sydney.]
Won’t be listening anymore to 3aw pm

Jennie
18 Nov 2019 - 2:15 pm

Alan was boring, biased and talked over people… it made me cringe!
Time he went!

Carolyn Mottram
20 Nov 2019 - 4:19 am

Alan was the only presenter on 3aw with left leaning views which I loved. As opposed to every other right wing nutjob presenters they have.
I turned off 3aw years ago but still listened to the overnight program.
Why can’t they axe Neil Mitchell Dennis Walter and Tom Elliot?

Joan Farr
22 Nov 2019 - 10:51 pm

I np longer listen to 3AW. I have been a loyal listener for too many years to remember. I am disgusted by the treatment handed put to on air staff . I do not want to listen to Sydney people. I miss Alan Pearsell. Nobody will ever take his place. Goodbye to 3AW.

Margaret
23 Nov 2019 - 10:29 pm

Very disappointed the away people are treated .overnight weekends are no longer for me on 3aw.Was Alan too intelligent for whatever you’re aiming for.At least he should have been able to say goodbye after so many years of devoted service.Hope the weekend change bites you in the bum,I know it will in the ratings

Laine
25 Nov 2019 - 5:54 pm

Not happy with the programs based in Sydney! The guys on before midnight host extremely boring talk back!!!

sally
25 Nov 2019 - 6:36 pm

Absolutely disgusting axing Alan like that, no warning , no goodbyes, won’t be listening to 3aw ever again , unless Alan is reinstated

David Gerlach
28 Nov 2019 - 4:30 pm

I will never listen to 3aw on the weekends it’s bloody disgusting how you.s got rid of Allan Peasall hate you 3aw

Alex
30 Nov 2019 - 12:14 am

I didn’t agree with his politics, however I really enjoyed his show. Another bad move at 3AW

elizabeth
6 Dec 2019 - 1:37 pm

Alan Pearsall happy to see him go, he told everyone on his program that he would hesitate crossing the road for fear of stopping cars, because they would pollute more when they started up again. And grab a bucket to let cold water run into it before it got hot as not to waste it , now if that’s not nutty i don’t know what is ,even his family thought he was a bit nutty he explained

Peter Green
7 Dec 2019 - 1:27 am

Alan has always been the consummate broadcaster and I feel that he has been well and truly screwed.
Obnoxious management methods and very poor decisions have left him and his extremely dedicated audience completely shafted.
Not even a 2 week show countdown for all to pledge heartfelt thanks – and goodbye wishes.
I’m sure that I am not alone with my feelings of sadness for both Alan and us.
WE are frankly disgusted.

Julia Derbyshire
7 Dec 2019 - 8:59 pm

Thank goodness. It was obvious Alan did not enjoy his job and quite often took it out on his callers. It was cringe worthy.

Robbo
10 Dec 2019 - 5:36 am

The only reason that 3AW has had such a fluid run for so long is that there’s no competition. Squeal Mitchell should’ve been superannuated long ago, Grubby and Didi each have the personality of a garden pebble, comrade Nick McCallum rudely shouts down anyone who disagrees with his Marxist dogma, a typical characteristic of leftists while Frank Walker is still screaming into his spit and semen bespattered microphone. Who on earth is the copywriter who manages to write the appalling ads, National Tiles, Blind Factory (shamelessly stealing John Cleese and Connie Booth’s creativity), and the nauseatingly syrupy Family Peace ads, also owned by the organically quaking Frank Walker while also being a handy tax reduction scheme.

Geraldine Fortuin
30 Dec 2019 - 11:50 pm

You claim to care for your loyal listeners but are treating them with indifference. You sure know how to rip the radio family apart. As for the way you treated Alan Pearsall you’re a disgrace.

Dee
14 Jan 2020 - 5:56 pm

Whether you liked him or anyone else or not, the way this has been handled and the complete disregard for the local audience is pathetic. Adding insult to injury they support someone like Alan Jones….now there is a rude, arrogant and biased voice. Sayonara 3aw

Don Hewson
2 Feb 2020 - 6:01 am

Only listen to Neil & Tom now. The rest is crap.

Fred
3 Apr 2020 - 5:20 pm

Now is definitely the right time to bring back local overnight radio in Melbourne, even if the presenter has to work from home using remote technology. Stations need to show commitment to their audience, especially at this time.

Disgusted listener
16 Apr 2020 - 12:23 am

Nine news has Totally wrecked 3AW.

Bunch of corporate assholes removed from reality.

I’m not a listener of the station anymore.

Irving Green
16 Apr 2020 - 12:27 am

Time to boycott 3AW.

Dee Harris
9 Jun 2020 - 2:08 pm

Bring back Alan Persal and.he was happier than what you have bought in. I’ve turned over to another station and I know others who have done the same.. A lot of them quite old and Alan kept all of us happy.. So glad Tony is back… he is a happier soul and.gives us a laugh.. We don’t need Sydney centric on Melbourne radio they are boring and morbid. Sorry bout that but even my other have has a.turned off.. Bring back Alan…

Ruth Slocum
6 Aug 2020 - 7:44 am

Still miss Alan. I have not listened to 3aw in his time slot since on principle. Alan was terrific, the only announcer on 3aw to acknowledge the traditional owners of the land at the beginning of his program. I hope he is enjoying his life ex 3aw.

Joan Wardley
11 Oct 2020 - 2:26 am

I, also miss Allan Pearsell and a dreadful way for him to go.
I can’t stand the new weekly Tony and Bianca, she sounds like a very young childish girl. Can’t listen.

Zulfiqar Ali
16 Jan 2021 - 2:36 am

I’ll miss you so much. Alan thanks for making radio listening an infotainment for your listeners

George
15 Apr 2021 - 10:13 pm

Nightline has become a series of segments and lost its free flowing style
The same boring callers ring in every night in sequence .
It’s become the Karen mirl Jim and Chris show .
Dennis is robotic with no X factor .
Bring back Simon and Phil as I won’t listen anymore to this sanitized clinical
Dull format.

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