Steve Austin (radio presenter)
Steve Austin | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth based on age as of date |
| Alma mater | Deakin University |
| Occupation | radio presenter |
| Known for | hosting radio programs on ABC Radio Brisbane |
| Notable work | Mornings Drive |
Stephen Austin (born circa 1960–1961) is an Australian broadcaster recognized primarily for his extensive career presenting shows on ABC Radio Brisbane.
Early life
Austin’s origins trace back to Epworth Hospital in the Melbourne suburb of Richmond. His education included attendance at Syndal South Primary School, followed by studies at Caulfield Grammar School and Syndal Technical School. During the 1970s, his family relocated to Nambour, Queensland, where he undertook various occupations such as working as a pineapple harvester, waiter, and employee in an electrical warehouse.
Career
Austin’s broadcasting journey commenced in 1984 as a volunteer at Brisbane community radio stations 4ZZZ and 4RPH, alongside completing a diploma from the Australian Institute of Radio and Television Production. He then spent seven years as a presenter with ABC North Queensland based in Townsville.
Upon returning to Brisbane, Austin transitioned to ABC TV, contributing as a researcher and producer for the local edition of The 7.30 Report. He subsequently became the inaugural producer of Stateline Queensland. Later, he resumed radio presenting duties at ABC Radio Brisbane, where he hosted programs such as Mornings, Drive, and Evenings, and also held the role of program director.
Austin took a prolonged hiatus at the end of 2007 but made a comeback in 2012 to lead the Mornings show. His return ignited controversy when Queensland’s deputy premier Andrew Fraser refused to participate in a regular segment following Austin’s moderation of a discussion concerning sand mining on Stradbroke Island.
In 2015, Austin attracted media attention after referring to terrorist Osama bin Laden as an “honoured and respected shiek” and dismissing claims about pornography found in bin Laden's compound as a “public relations smear.” The ABC defended these remarks by citing community reputation context; nonetheless, Queensland senator James McGrath criticized Austin’s comments.
In 2018, a schedule overhaul at ABC Radio Brisbane extended its breakfast program and introduced Focus Brisbane, resulting in Austin moving to the Drive timeslot. Sydney broadcaster Ray Hadley credited this adjustment with enhancing his own program’s ratings in Brisbane and described Austin as “a proven performer.”
In 2022, Austin alleged that LGBTIQ activists interfered with his Twitter account after he scheduled an interview with a businesswoman opposing new birth certificate gender legislation. Screenshots circulated showing Austin allegedly “liked” transgender pornography videos, prompting him to disable his account while ABC initiated an internal review.
By December 2023, it was announced that Austin would resume hosting duties for the Mornings program.
Throughout his tenure at ABC Radio Brisbane, Austin has conducted interviews with every incumbent Australian prime minister since the early 2000s, including John Howard, Kevin Rudd, Julia Gillard, Tony Abbott, Malcolm Turnbull, Scott Morrison, and Anthony Albanese.