Ross Stevenson (radio presenter)
Ross Stevenson | |
|---|---|
| Born | August 25, 1957 Melbourne, Australia |
| Occupation(s) | Radio host, writer, lawyer |
| Years active | 1985–present |
| Known for | Breakfast with Ross & Russel on 3AW, co-writing The Games |
| Notable work | The Games, A Royal Commission into the Australian Economy |
Ross Stevenson (originally Ross Campbell; born 25 August 1957) is a prominent Australian radio host affiliated with Melbourne's 3AW. His engaging morning program, Breakfast with Ross & Russel, is recognized as one of the leading radio broadcasts nationwide.
Career
Stevenson completed his education at Melbourne's Trinity Grammar School, where he earned the distinction of Dux, before pursuing higher studies at the University of Melbourne. He began his professional journey as a lawyer at Melbourne-based firms Darvall McCutcheon and Slater & Gordon. Concurrently with his legal career in 1985, Stevenson launched his radio presence on community station 3RRR, teaming up with fellow lawyer Denis Connell for the show Lawyers, Guns and Money, named after a song by Warren Zevon. Connell adopted the pseudonym "Donoghue," forming the duo "Donoghue & Stevenson," a reference to a foundational negligence case.
After four years broadcasting on 3RRR, Stevenson and Connell transitioned to 3AK, where they were joined by anchor Dean Banks. The trio moved to 3AW in 1990, steadily increasing their listenership until Connell was dismissed in 1991 by program director Steve Price.
Subsequently, Stevenson and Banks refined their broadcasting approach over the ensuing decade, achieving significant ratings success. Upon Banks’ retirement in December 2000, Stevenson formed a partnership with John Burns starting in 2001. Burns had contributed regularly under the moniker 'Sir Lunchalot,' offering comedic restaurant critiques. Burns retired in July 2020, with Russel Howcroft taking over his role.
The program Breakfast with Ross and Russel continues to dominate as 3AW's highest-rated show. Stevenson enjoys widespread respect from both listeners and industry colleagues and is reputed to be the highest-earning breakfast radio presenter in Australia. In 2011, he secured a valuable eight-year agreement with 3AW.
Television
Stevenson collaborated with John Clarke to co-write the satirical TV series The Games, featuring Clarke alongside Gina Riley, Bryan Dawe, and Nicholas Bell. The series lampooned the operations of the Sydney Organising Committee for the Olympic Games (SOCOG). Additionally, they co-authored A Royal Commission into the Australian Economy.
Awards
- Winner of Best On-air Team – Metro AM at the 2011 Australian Commercial Radio Awards (ACRA), shared with on-air partner John Burns
Personal life
Stevenson has two children—a son and daughter—with former partner Sarah Fallshaw; the couple separated in early 2025. From an earlier relationship with Jamie Wilczek, he has two additional sons.
At age fourteen, Stevenson participated as a choir member on Colleen Hewett’s track "Day By Day," produced by Molly Meldrum.
He is an avid horse racing enthusiast and punter, owning racehorses himself. A devoted supporter of the Hawthorn Football Club, Stevenson also played more than 100 matches for the VAFA club University Reds, now associated with Fitzroy Football Club.