Neil Mitchell: Profile

Neil is one of Australia's most experienced journalists with success in newspapers, radio and television. He was one of the youngest editors of a daily metropolitan newspaper, The Herald.

Neil was also a reporter, columnist and news executive at The Age for 16 years, including four years as sports editor. He has also worked for Time Magazine, and presented documentaries and his own talkback TV program on both the Nine and Ten networks. He began at 3AW on weekends and Drive in 1987. In 1990 he moved to the morning program where he has dominated the ratings ever since.

What was your first job?

As a schoolboy I delivered morning newspapers, which proved two things: I love newspapers and hate getting up early. Now, 40 years later, I find I have spent my life around newspapers and have been required to get out of bed at a ridiculous hour since 1984.

What is your favourite on air moment thus far?

A three year old boy called Tyler Fishlock was about to lose both eyes to cancer and we were trying to fulfill his last minute dreams. His mum was talking to me, crying softly. In the background I heard the child say "Don't cry mummy, it will all be OK"

What is your most embarrassing on air moment?

The most embarrassing and instructive moment was at the very beginning when I was ranting on about some editorial point, thumping the desk and asking for calls… when a caller rang and said "…Neil. Get your hand off it…" They were right, and I learnt from it.

If you could interview anyone (living or dead) who would it be?

Richard Nixon. The man was incorrigible and unashamed.

3AW Mornings page here