Derryn Hinch has used his own radio program to announce his next career move — a shift back to television.
Just after 4pm today Hinch announced on his afternoon Drive show on 3AW that he would be joining the Seven Network as national public affairs commentator, working across Sunday Night, Seven News and Sunrise.
His first appearance will be on Monday.
"It's funny, I left 3AW 25 years ago to join channel Seven," he said. "Now I can announce I'm doing it again."
Hinch recounted being wooed by the former owner of the Seven network, the disgraced late businessman Christopher Skase, with dinner, a bottle of Grange hermitage and the lure of "a truckload of money".
"So I went the Seven network, where the Hinch program was born, and that of course changed my life."
The 68-year-old veteran of print, radio and television journalism recounted the significance of the month of September in his life. This was the month Skase made his offer. In September 2005 he proposed to his wife, Chanel. In September 2010 he was diagnosed with live cancer, and given 12 months to live.
Now, he said, he could proclaim that "the fat lady hasn't sung — she isn't even near the stage".
He assured talkback callers that he would be able to operate on TV as he has on radio. "I've been given an assurance by Seven that nothing will change," he said. "I'll be doing exactly the same as I've been doing here.
"I'll still be the rebel with too many causes."
Hinch will remain on air with 3AW "for a few more weeks". In August, he revealed via twitter that he had been "sacked" by station management, which had chosen not to renew his contract.
In a statement released by Seven, Hinch was described as "an opinionated and often provocative journalist".
Seven's Head of News and Public Affairs, Peter Meakin, said: "I have always admired Derryn's passion and commitment. He is an unapologetic crusader – often controversial, but never boring. We are delighted to welcome him back to Seven and look forward to him making waves."
Hinch, a former alcoholic, claimed his health issues were behind him. "I've now got a Roll Royce liver, so I'm taking that Rolls Royce organ to a Rolls Royce network."
Tom Elliott, the son of former Liberal Party and Carlton Football Club president and Melbourne Lord Mayoral aspirant John Elliott, has been announced as the new host of the 3AW Drive program.