Healy has spent most of his career with 3AW, which is also owned by Fairfax, and stepped up into the role of general manager for both stations over the past 10 years.

"After this period of time, it's right that the business needs to be refreshed and have new ideas, so it's time for me to pass the baton to a new leadership," he said in a statement.

"It is of course with a touch of sadness that I am leaving 3AW and Magic because I have loved my job, however both are enjoying excellent ratings and good revenue growth, so now seems like the right time to go.

"My plan is to have a short sabbatical and then look at doing something new that will challenge and stimulate me in the next phase of my career."

The announcement comes after the recent radio ratings showed breakfast hosts Ross Stevenson and John Burns had easily beaten ABC Victoria's Red Symons, while long-time mornings host Neil Mitchell recorded his second consecutive ratings wins against the ABC's Jon Faine.

Fairfax radio network managing director Adam Lang said it was a testament to Healy's team that 3AW led the ratings in a competitive market "for so long".

"We have been very privileged to work with Shane Healy. He is a thoroughly decent person, incredibly passionate and a radio professional of rare calibre," Lang said.

"His depth of experience in radio broadcasting is unique and Shane has done an excellent job presiding over the continued success of 3AW and Magic 1278.  Shane also led the vital frequency change over with 3AW and Magic in 2006 – a major marketing challenge that was handled extremely well.

"Shane is a warm hearted, well-liked professional and we wish him all the best in the next stage of his career."

National news director Rob Curtain has been named acting general manager, with Healy due to leave his role on November 14.

- staff writers