MELBOURNE — Derryn Hinch, a former senator and long-time presenter on Melbourne radio, died at his home on Friday at the age of 82. Radio station 3AW confirmed his death.

Hinch had been experiencing poor health following a recent fall. Before his career in television and radio, he worked as a newspaper reporter. He hosted the current affairs program Hinch from 1988 to 1994 and also served as a presenter on Nine's Midday Show for 13 years.

In a statement, 3AW described Hinch as "a titan of Australian broadcasting and a figure inextricably linked to the heartbeat of Melbourne radio." The station noted: "His impact was recognised widely within the industry, culminating in his 2010 induction into the Australian Commercial Radio Hall of Fame." 3AW added: "Listeners, even those who did not always agree with his stance, held a deep respect for his unwavering dedication and the palpable passion he brought to every issue." Hinch served as a senator for Victoria, representing the Justice party, from 2016 to 2019. Throughout his career, he campaigned against paedophiles. He was also found in contempt for breaching court orders on multiple occasions.

3AW host Darren James indicated the routine of Hinch's daily communication. "He messages me every morning … I didn't get the messages this morning," James said. The radio station further stated, "As we reflect on his life, Derryn Hinch's time at 3AW serves as a testament to the power of talkback radio to provoke, engage, and connect a city." According to 3AW, Hinch leaves behind "a legacy of uncompromising, compelling broadcasting that fundamentally shaped the station he called home for so many years."