Radio Career
Sigley's radio career began in 1952 as turntable operator on Danny Webb's breakfast program at radio station 3DB Melbourne. Television arrived in Australia in 1956, and Sigley made his TV debut as host of Teenage Mailbag on HSV-7 in 1957. Shortly after this, he decided to try his luck in London, gaining some work experience at the BBC. But a bigger break was to come with a two year contract at Radio Luxembourg. Ernie was host of the afternoon program on Melbourne's 3AW from 1996, but on 16 September 2008 announced his retirement, presenting his last show on Friday 7 November. Regular fill in presenter Denis Walter replaced Sigley from Monday 10 November 2008.
Sigley then took on a part time role at the station replacing Paul Cronin as the fill in host on Nightline. Sigley partnered either Bruce Mansfield or Philip Brady in the Friday night slot but this lasted less than a month before it is believed an argument with management saw Sigley storm out of the building never to return. Longtime Nightline producer and current on air personality Simon Owens now fills the Friday night role.
Sigley is especially remembered for his 1964 association with the Adelaide leg of The Beatles tour of Australia. In one press conference, Sigley's questioning of The Beatles about their rock influences, and being able to discuss them (e.g. Buddy Holly), brought about an enthusiastic response from John Lennon, which contrasted strongly from all the questions asked by other interviewers during the conference.
Ernie Sigley has walked away from radio in January 2009 after a 57 year association with the industry. After Sigley retired from his 3AW afternoon program in November 2008 he became a Friday night fill in host with Nightline for a number of weeks. It is believed Sigley stormed out of a heated meeting with 3AW management.
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