Keith McGowan
Keith McGowan | |
|---|---|
| Born | 9 March 1943 Melbourne, Australia |
| Died | 22 December 2013 (aged 70) Melbourne, Australia |
| Occupation | Radio broadcaster |
| Years active | 1957–2011 |
| Known for | Host of the overnight show Overnighters on 3AW |
Keith McGowan OAM (9 March 1943 – 22 December 2013) was a distinguished Australian radio broadcaster, both born and passing away in Melbourne, Australia.
Radio career
At the age of 14, McGowan embarked on his radio journey in May 1957, starting as an office assistant at 3UZ. Over the years, he expanded his experience by working at a variety of stations such as 3TR, 7BU, 7HO, 6PR, 2NM, 2KA, 2HD, 2UW, 3MP, 3DB, 3AK, culminating with his tenure at 3AW.
His rise to recognition occurred in the mid-1960s at Perth’s 6PR, where the station, known as The Home of the Good Guys, enjoyed leading audience figures. McGowan later reflected on his period at 6PR (1964–1968) as one of the most significant phases of his professional life.
In 1990, he became the host of the overnight show Overnighters on Melbourne’s 3AW, airing from midnight until 5:30 am Monday through Friday. Over two decades, he cultivated a loyal listenership. The program regularly featured contributors including Brad Higgins; Nick Le Souef, dubbed "Outback Legend"; motoring expert Chris DeFraga; and a weekly Friday segment dedicated to antiques and collectibles presented by Tony Shields and Rick Milne.
Celebrating five decades in broadcasting on 27 May 2007, McGowan concluded his extensive 54-year career by retiring in July 2011 at a time of his choosing.
Television
During the 1960s, McGowan presented Teen Time On Ten on regional Victorian television station GLV-10.
Recordings
In 1979, McGowan achieved a top ten hit in Australia with the spoken-word piece A Little Boy's Christmas Prayer, which was subsequently included on various compilation albums. He also produced a nostalgia-themed CD titled And Then Came Rock n Roll, featuring multiple artists.
Publications/writing
McGowan authored six volumes in the Overnighters book series, including titles like Thanks for the Memories, You Must Remember This, and Good on You, Dad. Following his retirement, he contributed regularly to radioinfo, a resource for broadcasting professionals.
Personal life
In February 2006, McGowan married Angela in Echuca, Victoria. He was father to two children from his first marriage to Jill. His interests included breeding and racing standard-bred harness horses as well as extensive travels throughout Australia’s remote outback regions. McGowan was a supporter of both the St Kilda Football Club and Melbourne Storm.
Notably, he survived the January 1977 Granville rail disaster by being seated in the final carriage. His live radio coverage of this event was recognized as one of Australian radio’s most impactful news reports.
On 19 December 2013, McGowan experienced a stroke and passed away on 22 December following withdrawal of life support. In recognition of his 54 years’ dedication to broadcast media, he was posthumously honored with an OAM during the 2014 Queen's Birthday Honours.