ABC Radio’s Sydney Drive host, Richard Glover, will retire next month after a record 26 years behind the local radio microphone.

The Guardian reports: The announcement, made on his program on Friday afternoon, is the second major move this week by a presenter at ABC Radio. Patricia Karvelas is leaving Radio National Breakfast after three years.

A former Sydney Morning Herald Europe correspondent, Glover juggled hard news reporting with a talent for humorous writing before moving into broadcasting in 1998 as mornings host on 702 ABC Radio.

Glover eventually moved into drive time, taking over the slot from Mike Carlton, and frequently enjoyed the number one spot in the radio ratings.

Glover said it was a tough decision to step away.

“It’s one of the best jobs in Australian journalism, and I feel I’ve hogged it for long enough,” he said. “It has a terrific audience – funny, wise, full of intellect but also willing to share some of the deeper stories of being human.

“The program also offers the chance to do anything. Every afternoon we have politics, literature, music and comedy, all jockeying for position.”

In 1998 Glover started his popular Thank God It’s Friday program featuring comedians and musicians and added a live studio audience to the show in 2009.

TGIF has become a signature show for Glover and his final program will be a Thank God It’s Friday spectacular on 29 November.