Darren James (broadcaster)
Darren James | |
|---|---|
| Born | December 7, 1960 Australia |
| Occupation(s) | Radio personality, Master of ceremonies |
| Years active | 1979–present |
| Known for | Radio presenter at 3AW |
Darren Andrew James (born 7 December 1960) is a seasoned Australian radio personality associated with Melbourne's 3AW, where his career commenced in October 1979. In addition to his broadcasting work, he is a proficient master of ceremonies for both corporate and public gatherings. Among colleagues, he is nicknamed "Afterburner" and is passionate about adventure motorcycling.
Career
James began his journey at 3AW in 1979, initially working as an office assistant before swiftly advancing to audio engineering roles for the 'Breakfast' program and 'The Derryn Hinch Program'. By 1986, he had progressed to become the on-air co-host of 3AW's Breakfast Show alongside Uncle Roy (Bruce Mansfield), a position he held until 1990.
Between 1990 and 1991, James partnered with Mansfield to co-host the breakfast show on 3AK. In 1991, he transitioned to TTFM as Breakfast co-host with Jane Holmes for one year, subsequently continuing as a general presenter until 1994, when he returned to 3AW.
Following his return, James has been responsible for hosting twelve hours of weekend programming, including shows such as 'Buy, Swap and Sell', 'The Big Backyard', 'The Big House', and 'Sunday Morning'. Since 1996, he has regularly appeared on the weekly one-hour segment Friday Lunch, initially alongside Ernie Sigley and later with Denis Walter and Andrew McLaren.
Since 1994, James has served as the principal substitute co-host for the 3AW Breakfast program, collaborating first with Ian Cover and subsequently with Tony Leonard, stepping in during prolonged absences of the main hosts. Notably, during the summer break of 2013–2014, he took on hosting duties for the afternoon show while Denis Walter was away.
He was also a frequent contributor to the radio comedy ensemble 'The Coodabeen Champions' during their tenure at 3AW from the late 1970s through the 1990s, lending his voice to various characters in phone-in segments.
Throughout his extensive career, James has broadcast from numerous international locations including London, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Ethiopia, Beijing, Hong Kong, Singapore, Sudan, India, and Alice Springs. His roles have varied from co-hosting Breakfast with Mansfield to audio engineering for Derryn Hinch.
Beyond radio broadcasting, James acts as an MC for corporate and public events, including functions for the AFL's Collingwood Football Club coterie group known as 'The Woodsmen'.
Personal life
Darren James is the son of Peter James, a veteran radio professional who enjoyed a career spanning three decades with seventeen years at 3AW.
He is married to Kathy (Kathryn Hopper James), a former television presenter. The couple lives in Melbourne's eastern suburbs and have two grown children: Michael and Alice. Continuing the family's involvement in media, Michael works as a content and executive producer with experience at both 3AW and Triple M, while Alice has held production roles at Triple M Adelaide and KIIS 101.1.
In his personal time, James pursues photography and gardening as hobbies.
Interests
Darren is an enthusiastic supporter of the Collingwood Football Club.