Melbourne talkback station 3AW will this week host a going away dinner for radio veteran Denis O’Kane, as he steps away from full time newsreading and reporting.

The 77 year old will continue to do casual shifts next year.

O’Kane began his news career on country radio in Victoria, moving onto roles in Adelaide, Sydney and Melbourne’s 3XY. He was also News Director at Fox FM.

He has been with 3AW for 27 years in total.

“This is my third time here.” O’Kane told the Herald Sun (subscription required). “ I started here in 1981 and most of my career has been at 3AW.”

O’Kane – who describes 3AW as being like a second home – felt the time was right to take a step back.

“When you get to my age you think ‘Wow, there are other things to do’ and as long as I can keep a toe in the radio station it will be great.”