Ernie Sigley hands in his notice

When Ernie Sigley started at Melbourne’s 3AW 12 years ago, no one really thought he’d last this long. As it turns out, this will have been his last full time job in a career that spans a lifetime – 56 years. Having just celebrated his 70th birthday on September 2nd, he’s done a lot of thinking and has decided to retire.

Sigley’s retirement represents quite an upheaval at 3AW which rarely sees changes to its on air line up. The last one was Derryn Hinch replacing Stan Zemaneck in Drive back in early 2003.

Still, Ernie’ can’t just go like John Laws did, he’ll still be doing the odd weekend shift and fill ins for holidaying regulars.

“He’ll still be part of the 3AW family,” General Manager, Shane Healey told radioinfo. “He just doesn’t want to do the full five days a week anymore.”

Sigley got his start in radio at 3DB in Melbourne in 1952 as turntable operator. By 1957 he was on television presenting “Teenage Mailbag” on Channel 7. For a time he worked in London at the BBC and landed a gig at Radio Luxembourg.

For much of his career Ernie was a Tonight Show host earning a Gold Logie for Most Popular Personality on Australian Television in 1975.

Sigley’s last Afternoon shift on 3AW is likely to be in November when he broadcasts live from Flemington racecourse on Oaks Day.