End of an era: Beloved radio presenter Zan Rowe wraps up final Triple J broadcast after 21 years

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Popular radio host Susana ‘Zan’ Rowe hosted her final show on ABC’s Triple J on Friday.

After 21 years on the air, the 47-year-old host signed off with a three-hour broadcast of her usual morning show on digital station Double J.

The longtime radio host announced at the beginning of the show, ‘It’s time to sign off,’ and continued, ‘Welcome to my final Friday morning broadcast.’

Zan seemed hesitant to show too much emotion as she began her final broadcast, letting listeners know she wanted to focus on playing music during her remaining airtime.

But she did add a personal note before playing her first tune.

‘It’s been an absolute blast to hang with you on the radio for 21 years,’ she continued.

Time flies, but music connects us to both others and ourselves. It’s been a wonderful journey sharing that experience with you.

Over the next hour, I’ll be playing songs that have deeply moved me – the ones that really hit me emotionally.

I’ll admit, I was getting a little teary-eyed myself when Zan warned us that things were about to get emotional! They straight-up said ‘today there’s going to be waterworks,’ and honestly, they weren’t wrong. It was a really touching moment.

Her final show featured pre-recorded messages of appreciation from several musicians, such as Tim Rogers of You Am I and Peter Garrett from Midnight Oil.

Over the past year and a half, Zan has been gradually reducing the amount of time she spends broadcasting. In 2023, she told her audience she would limit her show to just one episode each Friday.

Before her final broadcast, viewers flooded social media with messages honoring the beloved and impactful broadcaster.

‘Zan rules!’ one enthusiast gushed on Reddit earlier this week.

She’s had a huge influence on my musical taste – I’d estimate about 80%. And if I see her at a concert, I know it’s going to be a great night.

One listener, who’s been a Triple J fan since around 2001 and is now 36, said Zan is one of their all-time favorite hosts, if not the very best.

‘Her knowledge and love for music is untouched; it’s gonna leave a big hole.’

A third follower said, ‘Ohhhh man, I will miss her. Such a joy to listen to.’

Other fans farewelled Zan’s last spot of Double J via the radio star’s Facebook on Friday.

‘Sad…. And incredibly grateful for your game-changing contribution Zan!’ said one listener.

‘Fridays will never be the same. Go well.’

‘Your love for music is infectious Zan,’ added another fan.

Thank you for your incredible support over the past 21 years! We’re excited to see what you accomplish with ABC in the future, and we’re cheering you on!

Another person commented, congratulating Zan and wishing them well in the future. They expressed affection and acknowledged it was the end of a chapter.

Zan shared a large gallery of throwback pictures on her post, recalling her 21 years at Triple J.  

Zan began her radio career in the mid-1990s at local stations like 3RRR in Melbourne. In 2005, she achieved a significant milestone by securing the popular weekend lunchtime show on Triple J.

The following year, she started presenting breakfast radio. In 2017, she moved from Triple J to the digital station Double J.

Following her exit from live radio this week, Zan will continue working for the ABC.

She will be hosting the new version of the reality show Race Around The World when it returns in 2026, and she’s also leading the Take 5 podcast on Double J.

Zan will also be fronting new TV episodes of Take 5 in the New Year.

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2025-12-12 06:12