Nova 106.9 Parts Ways with Mitch Lewis After 18-Year Tenure
In a surprising development for Brisbane's radio landscape, Mitch Lewis has been made redundant from Nova 106.9 after an impressive 18-year career with the station. The sports presenter, who is also the father of four children, had become a beloved figure among listeners and colleagues alike.
A Valued Contributor and Fan Favourite
Lewis gained significant popularity through his humorous Mitch on the Street segment and served as the long-term anchor of the station's breakfast slot. Most recently, he was part of The Nick, Luttsy & Susie O'Neill Show, cementing his position as a staple of Brisbane's morning radio.
Station management confirmed Lewis's unexpected redundancy in a statement reported by The Sunday Mail. 'Mitch has made a valued contribution during his time with Nova 106.9, and we thank him for his commitment to the station and our listeners,' a spokesperson stated. 'We wish Mitch all the very best for the future.'
Personal Reactions and Family Life
Lewis responded to the news with characteristic positivity, telling the publication: 'I loved every day working for Nova for the last 18 years, and I'm looking forward to what the next opportunity brings.'
Nova Brisbane's newsreader, Ange Anderson, who worked alongside Lewis for a decade, shared a heartfelt message on Radio Today. 'Having sat next to Mitch for a decade, you won't find a more decent and loyal human!' she wrote. 'Enjoy the sleep-ins, mate, they're bliss.'
The presenter, who is the son of NRL legend Wally Lewis, shares four children with his wife Sarah. Their family includes three boys - James, William, and Luke - and their youngest daughter, Sophie, who was born in June 2021.
Continuing Role with Brisbane Broncos
Despite his departure from Nova, it's understood that Lewis will maintain his regular position as on-field presenter for the NRL's Brisbane Broncos, ensuring his continued presence in Brisbane's sports media scene.
Recent Wave of Nova Departures
Lewis's redundancy follows a series of high-profile departures from Nova over the past year. Former stars Ben Harvey and Liam Stapleton spoke out last month after being gagged by the network following their September sacking.
The Late Drive presenters, along with co-host Belle Jackson, were dropped when their contracts were not renewed. Following this announcement, rival Australian Radio Network confirmed in October that Ben and Liam would take over the breakfast show on KIIS FM Adelaide, with Belle serving as producer.
Although their final Nova broadcast was scheduled for December 12, the pair were removed from air immediately after news of their ARN move broke, with their last show airing on October 24.
Speaking to News Corp, the popular duo revealed their surprise when Nova enforced a non-compete clause in their contract, preventing them from broadcasting elsewhere for six months. 'We didn't think they would, but then they did,' Liam Stapleton explained. Despite their initial shock, he added philosophically: 'We're here now [at KIIS 1023], and we're ready to give it a red hot crack.'
