Listeners mourn Melbourne radio legend Bruce Mansfield as 3AW broadcasts moving tributes
Listeners and colleagues have flooded 3AW with tributes to Bruce Mansfield
The death of Melbourne radio legend Bruce Mansfield after a battle with cancer has seen 3AW flooded with emotional memories of the broadcaster from listeners and former colleagues.
The radio station announced Mansfield had died aged 71 after continuing to broadcast even as he fought prostate cancer.
The former newsreader became a Melbourne favourite when he teamed up with fellow broadcaster Phil Brady to bring together Nightline and Remember When in 1991 in a show that went on to dominate the airwaves.
Known for his generosity and ability to mimic many popular celebrities, Mansfield was a fixture of Melbourne broadcasting on TV and radio across five decades.
A condolence page on 3AW’s website quickly filled up with hundreds of tributes while many listeners calling in were reduced to tears.
Broadcaster John Blackman said it was a very sad day.
“You know it’s going to happen but when it happens there is no doubting the grief you are going to feel,” Blackman said, himself on the verge of tears.
“It hits you like a train. He was a funny guy.”
One former producer told how Mansfield broke the news to Melbourne that the 911 attacks were underway, understanding the gravity of the news and coolly reporting the detail to listeners.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Bruce’s family, particularly his wife, Jill, their three children and his beloved grandchildren,” 3AW said in a statement
Simon Canning
