Australian broadcasting legend and former 3AW host Derryn Hinch died in his sleep at home on July 10, 2026, at the age of 82. Known as “The Human Headline,” Hinch dominated the Melbourne airwaves with award-winning stints on 3AW—most notably in the 1980s and later returning to host the drive program.

Derryn Hinch first made his mark in radio in the late 1970s and truly cemented his legacy at 3AW. He was famous for his fearless and often controversial campaigning, his signature catchphrases like “shame, shame, shame” and “that’s life,” and popular segments such as the “Shame File”

The Guardian reports:

Hinch had reportedly been in poor health since a recent fall and friends said he died in his sleep, as was his wish.

As a young reporter he provided live commentary of the Apollo 11 launch for Sydney radio station 2GB in 1969. In the 1980s he was one of the most powerful broadcasters in Australia. His legendary candid style kept him in the public eye over several decades.

He was a newspaper reporter before moving into television and radio, perhaps most prominently as a presenter on Melbourne radio station 3AW, which on Friday reported that Hinch died at home overnight.

Hinch was the face of Nine’s Midday show for 13 years, and hosted multiple current affairs programs, including the eponymous Hinch from 1988 to 1994.

Outside his media career, Hinch served as a senator for Victoria in his Justice party between 2016 and 2019.