The radio industry is today paying tribute to Wayne Browne – a man remembered as the doyen of Australian talk radio producers – who has died following a short hospital stay.
Browne was just fifteen years old when he began his radio journey as a panel operator for the great Don Lunn at 7LA in Launceston, later moving to Devonport’s 7AD, where he worked as a music announcer.
In a social media post, fellow industry great Gary Mac (pictured above left with his good mate) recalled how Browne then moved back to Launceston to become, as he put it, ‘a hot-shot disc jockey’ at 7EX.
There, Browne would meet his wife-to-be, Jan.
“Some 12 months later, 3AW came knocking, offering Wayne the position of executive producer to pioneer their brand new format ‘Talk Back Radio.”
“His first producing gig was on the prestigious morning program headed by Ormsby Wilkins. Later he would move on to produce Norman Banks, Martha Gardener, Claudia Wright and many others.”
“He then became personal producer for Mary Hardy, producing and guiding Mary as a ratings winner in her 3AW afternoon slot. Wayne described Mary as one of the most wonderful women in his life. He was certainly the Doyen of Talk Radio producers.”
Long-serving 3AW roving reporter David Mann AM (pictured above) said Wayne’s passing is a huge loss for radio:
“I had the absolute pleasure of working with Wayne when 3AW was at 382 Latrobe Street in Melbourne . At times he had a wicked sense of humour, the occasional full-on tantrum, and then a firm handshake a hug and a person who knew what it was like to care for his fellow colleagues.”
“He experienced the absolute highs of 3AW personalities and when the ratings weren’t so good he was there to comfort them and work on how he as a producer could turn things around.”
“My finest memories were of him hosting a classical music show on a weekend evening program of which he had no idea of how to pronounce some of those composers names and we laughed as we listened and it was the talking point on Monday morning how he got away with it.”
“He was a mentor to me in so many ways and I was very sad to read of Wayne leaving us heading to the big microphone in the sky. He was a true believer in the medium of RADIO and as everyone said he was a great producer, on-air talent, and a great communicator with the listeners and the clients.”
“It’s a wonderful industry that we work in today and we’re surrounded by some fantastic talent, but let’s always remember those who put the foundations in place particularly for the talk RADIO industry.”
“Wayne Browne was one so many truly admired with accolades well-deserved.”
Former 3AW colleagues Jane Holmes and Muriel Cooper remember Browne as a true radio and showbiz legend – with an ebullient personality and a commitment to excellence.
Whilst fellow 3AW presenter Simon Owens – who interviewed Browne about his career at the station in 2017 – said “Wayne was kind enough to indulge me.”
“We exchanged texts from time to time and he would gently nudge me if I made a mistake on air with my recollections of 3AW’s history. I’m very sad to hear of his passing.”
Browne served as Station Manager for Melbourne’s 3MP and also launched his own promotions business.
Images: Facebook and 3AW