Derryn Hinch, broadcaster and former senator, dies aged 82

Derryn Hinch, the veteran broadcaster and former senator known for his crusades to expose sex offenders, has died aged 82.

The ABC confirmed Hinch died in his sleep this morning. His death was also confirmed on air by his former radio station, 3AW.

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Career and controversy

Hinch built his reputation over decades in Australian media through a distinctive broadcast style and a willingness to break the law in pursuit of a story, including several stints in jail for naming sex offenders on air.

Derryn Hinch in his early years.

A defining career at 3AW

TAPT Media, which owns 3AW, said in a statement Hinch was "a titan of Australian broadcasting" whose voice "defined the morning and drive slots" at the station for generations of listeners.

Hinch first joined 3AW in 1979 and spent eight years hosting the station's morning program, before moving into a decade of high-profile television and current affairs work.

He returned to 3AW in 2000 to host Nightline, then moved to the Drive program in 2003, a role that cemented his status as a fixture of Melbourne radio.

In 2010, Hinch was inducted into the Australian Commercial Radio Hall of Fame.

"Whether championing a cause, challenging authority, or navigating the intense controversies that occasionally marked his career, Hinch remained steadfast in his commitment to his craft," TAPT Media said.

Tributes

Former 3AW colleague Peter Ford paid tribute to Hinch, describing him as an important figure in the station's history.

"It is one of those moments when you think that was an extraordinary life and career," Ford said.

"It's an amazing story of somebody who - a young guy in rural New Zealand who had dreams of getting into journalism and slowly but surely boy did he do that."

Ford said Hinch had a natural instinct for storytelling.

"Apart from having a really good journalist's mind for a story, he knew how to write a story, how to present a story; he knew a good yarn when he heard it," he said.

Ford acknowledged Hinch's polarising reputation, saying the broadcaster viewed controversy as validation of his work.

"Now that wasn't to say, of course, that he wasn't provocative; he stirred the pot a lot, he upset people a lot, and he saw that almost as being validation of doing his job well," Ford said.

TAPT Media said Hinch leaves behind "a legacy of uncompromising, compelling broadcasting that fundamentally shaped the station he called home for so many years."

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