Jon Faine reveals sign-off date – and a special farewell

Veteran ABC broadcaster Jon Faine has revealed when he'll be hanging up his headphones.

The radio host, who has fronted ABC Radio Melbourne's mornings program for more than two decades, will sign-off for the final time on Friday, October 11. Faine's final show will take the form of a public fundraiser to be broadcast live from Melbourne's Town Hall.

ABC broadcaster Jon Faine.Credit:Eddie Jim

Speaking on his radio program on Friday morning, Faine joked that the fundraising element was so longtime listeners could donate to charity to celebrate the fact he is finally gone. The broadcaster has been on ABC radio for 30 years, the majority of that time spent fronting Melbourne's local mornings program.

"You’re all invited to a party," Faine said. "We’re going to have two parties all at once. First of all it’s the 95th birthday of this radio station. We’re also going to use the opportunity so some good can come from what is otherwise going to be a tricky day for me."

On Friday the public broadcaster also revealed that ABC Breakfast host Virginia Trioli will take up Faine's role just days after he leaves. Trioli's start date is Monday, October 14 (however, she will finish up on ABC News Breakfast next month). This year marks a significant reshuffle among ABC ranks, with former foreign correspondent Lisa Millar joining Michael Rowland on the breakfast couch.

Four Corners presenter Sarah Ferguson is also relocating to China to take up a new role. Her husband, Q&A host Tony Jones, intends to follow her. Permanent replacements for both programs have not been announced.

Dina Rosendorff, the manager of ABC Radio Melbourne, said in a statement the fundraiser would be a fitting farewell.

"Jon's last program will recognise the tremendous contribution he has made to the ABC, to Melbourne radio and to the Victorian community," she said.

Further details – including the charity Faine will be partnering with – will be released in the coming weeks. However, the host said it would likely be an Indigenous organisation.

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