Triple J’s Tom Tilley to step down from Hack hosting role after eight years
Triple J’s Tom Tilley will depart as host of youth and current affairs program Hack at the end of the year, after eight years at the helm.
From 2020, Tilley will pursue “new opportunities” including continuing his work with The Project, and writing a memoir, after signing his first publishing deal with ABC Books.
The news was first reported in The Australian, which said Tilley had “called time” on Hack to take up a “new reporting and hosting role” at The Project. A Ten spokesperson said that Tilley’s only involvement is a continuation of his role as a contributor.
“Tom Tilley will remain a contributor to The Project, as he always has been,” the spokesperson for The Project’s broadcaster said.
Tilley has signed with The Fordham Agency, and will continue hosting on ABC Radio in 2020.
The Fordham Agency’s Nick Fordham said: “Tom has been a long-time friend and we have often discussed working together. I have always said, once he is ready to consider working in the commercial world let’s talk. Well we’re well and truly on our way with the deals with Ten and ABC Books. Tom is everything we look for in new clients; hard working, committed to his craft and incredibly talented.”
Tilley’s time with the public broadcaster’s Triple J has not been without controversy. In 2017, he became a ‘poster boy’ for alt-right websites after interviewing an organiser of the deadly white supremacist rally in Charlottesville.
I felt lucky to even get a job at triple j, let alone host Hack for eight years. After about 1500 shows and around 5000 interviews I’ll host the final one next month. pic.twitter.com/8qSKtsptr1
— Tom Tilley (@TomTilley) November 17, 2019
Triple J, a station Tilley has held roles at for 12 years, is expected to announce its 2020 presenter line up later in the week.
“Hack has taken me further than my wildest dreams, from a naive triple j listener in the paddocks of Mudgee to interviewing the country’s most powerful people,” Tilley said in a statement.
“While grilling ministers live on radio was a lot of fun and often necessary, my proudest moments are our conversations about mental health. Allowing young people around Australia to open up, realise they’re not alone in their struggle and then push our politicians to do more, is something that brings me to tears when I think about it.
“Now after twelve years at triple j and eight years hosting Hack, it’s time to let another passionate young journo take the reins and for me to explore new exciting opportunities. From the bottom of my heart thank you to all the producers, reporters, managers, mentors, friends and family who’ve helped this country boy’s dreams come true.”
ABC Books publisher Jude McGee said: “We’re thrilled to be publishing Tom’s memoir in 2021.
“We know from Tom’s brilliant journalism that he’s a talented storyteller, but this will be the first time he’s told his own extraordinary story.”
