3AW

3AW is Melbourne’s go-to talkback radio station, broadcasting news, sports, and live discussions 24/7. Operating for over 90 years, it remains one of the most-listened-to stations in Victoria and is currently owned by the Tapt Media. Until 1 May 2026, it was owned by Nine Entertainment Co.

The format relies heavily on audience participation. Listeners regularly call into the studio to debate local issues, air grievances, or share breaking news. The daily lineup features sharp commentary on politics and current affairs, alongside practical additions like frequent traffic reports and local news flashes. For sports fans, the station is best known for its live AFL (Australian Football League) coverage and weekend match analysis.

Why do people listen to this station? The transition from hard news to talkback is incredibly fast—one minute the host is interviewing a state politician, and the next, a local truckie is calling in to complain about roadworks on the M1. It’s uniquely Melbourne. Even during the longer ad breaks, the hyper-local focus keeps you hooked if you want to know what the city is actually talking about right now.