Veteran ABC Radio Melbourne Drive presenter Raf Epstein will take over as host of Mornings, replacing Virginia Trioli, who announced yesterday that Friday September 15 will be her last day.

Acting Manager for ABC Radio Melbourne, Mary-Jane Fenech said of Epstein:

“Since Raf took over Drive in 2012, he has put his audience at the centre of every conversation, delivering the latest news and thought-provoking interviews.

Raf helped Melbourne navigate the pandemic years. He gave a voice to the audience by asking the questions that needed answering during the daily covid press conferences and he provided companionship through lockdowns. We are thrilled to welcome Raf to Mornings and know he is going to be Melbourne’s champion each weekday from 8.30am. And it’s great to see Raf farewell his audience on a high, with a bump to Drive’s share and reach in this week’s survey.” 

Epstein said of the new role:

“I will ask fearless questions and listen carefully to every answer. Interviews are crucial, but the most important voices are callers, who understand and care deeply about what happens next in our city and across the state.” 

Epstein has worked for both the ABC and Fairfax (now Nine) newspapers in Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney and Europe. He has two Walkley awards for investigative reporting with his exposure in 2004 of links between corrupt police and underworld murders and his report in 2006 that exonerated Dr Mohammed Haneef, who had been held under anti-terrorism laws.

​​Ali Moore, an ABC Radio Melbourne regular for the last five years, will take over Drive from Monday 11 September, till the end of 2023.

Fenech said of the new Drive host:

“We know that Ali will bring her razor-sharp wit to Drive, ensuring that the Melbourne audience is on top of everything that is happening in our city. Ali can ask the tough questions whilst also bringing her warmth and sense of fun to any program she presents.”

Raf will start Mornings on Monday 18 September.