After nearly five years of bringing joy and information to the airwaves, comedian Sammy J is stepping down as the host of ABC Radio Melbourne’s Breakfast show. The announcement, made during his morning program, marks the end of an era for both the radio host and his devoted listeners. Sammy J, whose real name is Samuel Jonathan McMillan, began his tenure just weeks before the COVID-19 pandemic hit Australia, turning the show from just another media gig to a lifeline for many during uncertain times.
"I want to be where the listeners are, I want to tune in whilst eating breakfast," he declared humorously, alluding to his new pursuit of leisurely mornings. His departure, officially announced for December 13, follows declining ratings — with his share of the total Melbourne audience dipping below 7 percent, conflicting with his predecessors who regularly surpassed 10 percent.
During his reign, Sammy J carved out moments of connection and laughter, particularly at the height of the pandemic when audiences gravitated toward talk radio for comfort and community. At one point, during survey six of 2020, he achieved a staggering 14.9 percent rating and boasted 114,000 listeners, showcasing how dearly he became entwined with Melbourne’s morning rituals.
Notably, his signature blend of humor and music brought memorable skits and spontaneous songs, whether he was welcoming international icons like Taylor Swift to the city or crafting comedic commentaries on local happenings. "Hosting Melbourne Breakfast was an unexpected opportunity which became an unexpected joy," he expressed, reflecting on his time behind the microphone.
Despite the ups and downs of the ratings—often mirroring broader struggles faced by local radio stations—Sammy J managed to build authentic connections with listeners. Not just content with the mundane, he engaged the public through innovative series like Missing Moments, enabling people to relive significant life events during lockdown periods. Making the audience feel seen and involved became his hallmark. ABC Radio Melbourne's acting manager, Shelley Hadfield, noted, "You only had to see the listeners turn up at the crack of dawn for his outside broadcasts to understand what impact he has had on people’s lives.”
His witty and often poignant style facilitated conversations with guests from various fields, including politics, arts, and entertainment, making his show vibrant and multifaceted. Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan even made it her point to call-in during his farewell announcement, thanking him for his engaging presence. "We’ve loved listening to you, and it’s been really clear you’ve loved talking to us," she said, affirming the pervasive affection for Sammy J across demographics.
Arriving at his decision to leave, McMillan explained, "Radio demands all of you and deserves nothing less... after five years I’m ready to trade the 4:15 AM alarm for more regular hours." Alongside his radio commitments, he often pursued other creative avenues, balancing his schedule with theatrical and television projects, hinting at future aspirations beyond the early morning airwaves. "The tension between the two has grown bigger this year since the world is opening up again," he remarked, hinting at his eagerness to engage more fully with his many other endeavors.
While he exits radio, the search is already on for his replacement. Though his impact is lasting, the organization is faced with not just filling his shoes but revitalizing their morning offering as they browse for the next leading voice to handle the Melbourne Breakfast program.
Sammy J will deliver his final show on December 13, and announcements associated with ABC's 2025 programming are forthcoming. For the listeners who have shared their mornings with him, fond memories and laughter will linger on air long after he turns off the microphone.
