3AW and Magic 1278 general manager Shane Healy has resigned and will leave the network after 25 years.

Healy joined 3AW in 1989 as sports director and also called AFL football with Rex Hunt for six years during the 1990s. He was appointed general manager of 3AW in 2003 and has led the station to its number one position in the Melbourne market for more than a decade.

Prior to 3AW, Healy was general manager at Fairfax Radio Network’s Perth stations 6PR and 96FM and was also the network’s director of marketing for a period.

Healy said: “I have enjoyed more than 10 years in the role as general manager of two great stations. After this period of time, it’s right that the business needs to be refreshed and have new ideas, so it’s time for me to pass the baton to a new leadership. It is of course with a touch of sadness that I am leaving 3AW and Magic because I have loved my job, however both are enjoying excellent ratings and good revenue growth, so now seems like the right time to go.

“My plan is to have a short sabbatical and then look at doing something new that will challenge and stimulate me in the next phase of my career.”

Fairfax Radio Network managing director Adam Lang said: “We have been very privileged to work with Shane Healy. He is a thoroughly decent person, incredibly passionate and a radio professional of rare calibre. His depth of experience in radio broadcasting is unique and Shane has done an excellent job presiding over the continued success of 3AW and Magic 1278. Shane also led the vital frequency change over with 3AW and Magic in 2006 – a major marketing challenge that was handled extremely well.

“It is a testament to the work of Shane’s Melbourne team that 3AW has led the ratings in a competitive market for so long. Shane is a warm hearted, well-liked professional and we wish him all the best in the next stage of his career.

“We are delighted to have our talented national news director Rob Curtain step in as acting general manager while we commence the search to replace this key leadership role within Fairfax Radio Network.”