John Burns (radio presenter)

John Burns (born 30 July 1945) is an Australian radio presenter.

John Burns
Born (1945-07-30) 30 July 1945 (age 79)
NationalityAustralian
Other names"Burnszo"
EducationChristian Brothers College, St Kilda
Alma materMonash University
Occupation(s)Radio broadcaster
Former barrister
PredecessorDean Banks
SpouseMonique Burns

Career

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Burns's radio debut was in 1988 on community radio station 3RRR on the program Lawyers, Guns & Money as the character Sir Lunchalot.[1] Later, the Sir Lunchalot character switched to commercial radio and became a regular Friday morning contributor to the 3AW breakfast show, providing humorous restaurant reviews and tips on dining etiquette.[1]

In 2001, Burns joined Ross Stevenson as co-host of 3AW's breakfast program following the retirement of Dean Banks.[2] Breakfast with Ross and John was the station's top rating program. Burns retired[3] from 3AW in July 2020 with his last show on Friday 31 July. John was replaced by Russel Howcroft.

Prior to his career in radio, he had an established career as a barrister. Burns was a Victorian crown prosecutor and practised law for 22 years.[4]

Awards

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  • 2011 Australian Commercial Radio Awards (ACRA) Winner Best On-air Team – Metro AM[5] (joint winner with on-air partner, Ross Stevenson)

Personal life

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John Burns is married to Monique and they have three sons. He used to speak fondly on-air of his adopted former "death row" dog nicknamed Rocky (formerly called Rocca, because its black and white colour was reminiscent of Collingwood players Saverio and Anthony Rocca). After Rocky's death, he adopted another dog, named Gus.

His son Andrew Burns is an actor, comedian and the founder of Question One, London's largest quiz night company.

Burns is a passionate Melbourne Demons supporter in the AFL.

On 25 January 2018 Burns was convicted of drink driving, after pleading guilty in the Melbourne Magistrates Court. He apologised on-air for his actions.[6]

References

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  1. ^ a b The Interview | The Age 22 June 2006. Retrieved 17 April 2013
  2. ^ Caution: cereal entertainers | The Age 14 February 2013. Retrieved 16 April 2013
  3. ^ Radioinfo. "Russel Howcroft to replace John Burns on 3AW". Radioinfo.com.au.
  4. ^ John Burns: Profile | 3AW website. Retrieved 16 April 2013 Archived 19 April 2013 at the Wayback Machine
  5. ^ Southern Cross shines bright at radio awards | The Australian 17 October 2011. Retrieved 17 April 2013
  6. ^ "John Burns apologises for drink-driving offence". 24 January 2018.
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