The broadcasting career of Australian Football League legend Bob Murphy appears to be hanging by a thread following the release of dismal radio ratings in Melbourne. The ABC station where Murphy works has experienced a significant drop in its audience share, plummeting from 6.6 percent to just five percent. This sharp decline signals potential trouble for the 43-year-old former Western Bulldogs champion, who may soon need to explore alternative employment opportunities.
Breakfast Slot Struggles Amid Ratings Plunge
Murphy has been co-hosting the breakfast timeslot alongside Richelle Hunt, who is temporarily filling in for regular presenter Sharnelle Vella while she is on maternity leave. Since joining the ABC in November 2024, Murphy's tenure on the airwaves has been anything but smooth, marked by both professional criticism and personal controversy that have overshadowed his transition from sports star to broadcaster.
Controversial Terminology Sparks 'Woke' Accusations
Last year, Murphy found himself at the centre of a media storm when he used the term 'AFLM' in a newspaper column to distinguish the men's competition from the women's AFLW league. This linguistic choice drew fierce criticism from 3AW Mornings host Tom Elliott, who did not hold back during his broadcast.
Elliott told his listeners that he believed Murphy was merely seeking attention with the unconventional terminology. "Does anybody else honestly want to call the AFL the AFLM?" he questioned pointedly. "In America, you have the NBA and then the WNBA, that works fine. I think he [Murphy] is the only person who does this. He persists in calling the AFL the AFLM... that is wokeness."
Sexually Charged On-Air Comment Creates Further Backlash
The controversy did not end there. In May of last year, Murphy again attracted unwanted headlines after making what appeared to be a sexually charged comment about his female co-host during a live broadcast. The incident occurred while Murphy was presenting alongside award-winning reporter Sharnelle Vella.
When Vella mentioned working in retail during her high school years, Murphy interjected with the question, "Not at Spearmint Rhino?" – a reference to an international strip club chain with venues in Australia. Vella responded with a simple "No" before continuing her point, but the damage was done.
Public Apology and Professional Repercussions
Murphy, a father of three, later issued a grovelling public apology for his inappropriate remark. "I did make a comment that insinuated my colleague and co-host Sharnelle here worked at Spearmint Rhino, a well-known Melbourne strip club," he acknowledged. "Cutting straight to the point, it was not just a mistake, it was a gross and inaccurate offhand quip. I promised Sharnelle that I'd never disrespect her and I did break that promise... put simply, I'm really sorry."
Vella's response offered little comfort, stating firmly, "Look, I won't let you off the hook on it. It wasn't okay. I appreciate your words, but we do move on." The tension was palpable, and the incident further tarnished Murphy's broadcasting reputation.
Legacy Overshadowed by Broadcasting Struggles
Murphy's impressive football career, which included 312 games for the Western Bulldogs, now seems distant as his radio tenure faces mounting challenges. The combination of declining ratings and repeated controversies has created a perfect storm that threatens to end his broadcasting journey prematurely.
Industry observers note that the latest ratings reveal represents more than just numbers – it reflects listener sentiment and could determine whether the ABC continues to invest in Murphy's on-air presence. With audience share dropping significantly in a competitive Melbourne market, the writing may indeed be on the wall for the AFL legend's media career.
