One of Brisbane’s most familiar breakfast radio voices says goodbye after 11 years.
 
Spencer Howson is looking forward to switching off the 3:30am alarm and spending more time with his family.
 
Howson first hosted Breakfast in 1997 through till 2000. He then returned at the start of 2006 giving 612 ABC Brisbane its first win in the early-morning radio ratings since 1984.
 
Well wishes flooded in throughout the morning for the popular presenter including from singer-songwriter Kate Miller-Heidke, local mayors and past workmates.
In a monologue before the conclusion of the program, Howson thanked management, producers, field reporters and former presenters including Russ Tyson.
 
He also went on to thank his breakfast competitors across Brisbane.
 
“Fellow ABC presenters here and around the country including Jon Faine in Melbourne have been a rock on several occasions,” Howson said.
 
“Along with Kelly Higgins-Devine for her counsel over the years.”
 
Howson said he did not believe in the beginning that the program could hit number one.
 
“Eleven years ago I don’t think anyone here thought we could be number one; I certainly didn’t,” he said.
 
“I remember being on the TV news when it happened at the end of 2006 and all I could say to the camera is ‘it’s weird’.
 
“Ten years later and the program has been number one 45 times.
“We now know that we can be the most listened to breakfast show in Brisbane and no doubt that will continue with whoever is in this chair next year.”
 
Howson said listeners had driven the program with their story suggestions and calls to the Cereal Box.
 
“For the listeners who have never made contact … I know you’re out there. Thank you. Thank you for listening,” he said.
“But above all, thank you to those who I didn’t know and wouldn’t have come to know if it wasn’t for this show.
 
“I’ve met some really good and close friends through this radio program and it’s the most valuable thing that I treasure from this experience.”
Part of Howson’s decision to leave the program was to be able to make more time for his wife and son.
 
“Thank you to Nikki and Jack … so many people over the years have said they remember when Jack was born; can you believe he’s 16 now,” he said.
 
“This is the first of many mornings that Nikki and Jack and I will spend together.”
 
As for the next step, Howson told listeners they would have to wait.
“I know you’re waiting to hear what I’m doing next and you’re waiting to hear who will occupy this chair in 2017, but I’m afraid you’ll have to wait a little longer to find out.
 
“Rebecca Levingston will be in this chair on Monday and all will be fine.”
 
A replacement for the Breakfast program will be announced in the coming weeks.