Triple M has announced that radio veteran Luke Bona will host a new national overnight talk show for the network.

Bona has survived radio for 38 years, commencing his career at 2GB as a 16-year-old office boy in 1978. Most recently, Bona worked for Macquarie Radio Network, achieving the number one spot overnight on 3AW.

Triple M head of content Mike Fitzpatrick said the network received a few interesting ideas when it put the call out a few months ago asking for people to pitch shows, but Bona stood out as an opportunity not to be missed.

“He grew up in Sydney, cut his teeth in regional radio, and with his indigenous heritage, he really understands our country,” Fitzpatrick said.

“He also has a genuine passion for rock music.”

Bona said the new gig is “a dream come true”.

“I love the radio environment and connecting with people,” he said.

“When I last did overnights, I was talking to people all over Australia, from the woman who ran a sugarcane farm in Cairns, to the bloke who brewed beer in Geelong.

“Now I can do it and play Led Zeppelin at the same time! Plus, I’ve been listening to Triple M since Uncle Doug.”