After thirty years of breakfast radio, and two decades waking up the Illawarra, i98 FM’s Marty Haynes, will step back from those early starts in 2025. He will however remain part of the i98 FM family and the annual i98 FM Illawarra Convoy.
Marty started on air in Canberra on breakfast at what is now Hit 104.7 before moving to Wollongong where he has been a host of the i98 FM Breakfast Show since 2002, currently alongside Bella Leone and Christian McEwan. His passion for the region and dedication to the i98 FM Illawarra Convoy, which marked its 20th anniversary last month, has raised more than $27 million for local families facing life -threatening illnesses and various community charities through the Illawarra Community Foundation. In 2014, Marty was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for his charitable work.
Marty said:
“It’s been an incredible journey. I knew it was time, and I wanted to go out on a high. I’ve had the privilege of waking up with the Illawarra for so many years and am incredibly grateful for the support and mates I’ve made along the way. I’ll always cherish the memories and experiences I’ve had at i98 FM but am really looking forward to sleeping in.”
i98 FM Station Manager, Tia Davis added:
“Marty is a true legend of i98FM and a beloved figure in the Illawarra. His contributions to the station and the community are immeasurable. You cannot walk down the street with Marty and not have someone stop him to say hello. He is our humble star and a real gentleman in our industry, who has much to be proud of. We wish him all the best as he takes some time to recharge.”
The departure of Marty marks a period of great radio change in the Illawarra. i98Fm, the No 1 station in the region, also saw ACRA winning morning presenter Cam Hilder depart this month. ARN owned local rivals Wave FM also saw their breakfast team of Jade and Damien depart in December with the Drive pair of Lyndal Rogers and Ryan ‘Crammy’ Cram shifting onto mornings.
i98 will announce their 2025 line-up shortly but for now they are celebrating Marty’s remarkable career across this week with his final show this Friday, the 20th of December.