"Stretto", as he is known by colleagues and fans, will sign off from i98FM at midday after nine years at the station.

A spokeswoman from WIN Radio told the Mercury on Tuesday Stretton "had just decided to move on" but Stretton and the station confirmed yesterday this was not true.

His position has in fact been made redundant.

Yesterday, the popular funnyman and winner of four national radio awards said he was informed about WIN's decision last Wednesday.

"I was called in after the shift and given the news that operations and cutbacks and rationalisation meant my role was redundant," he said.

"I guess when you spend so much time with one organisation you would like to end on your own terms but I don't have an axe to grind with anyone there.

"I'll move on to what hopefully will be greener pastures."

Stretton said he has been offered some weekend work, which he is yet to accept, and is hoping to find another radio job in the region so he can remain in his Corrimal home and live "in an area that I love".

Stretton began his career in Toowoomba 22 years ago, has worked in Sydney with MIX 106.5 and has spent about 17 years on different radio stations in Wollongong.

He is best known as morning show host on i98FM, though he is also popular in his most recent role as sports announcer on Marty and Erica for Breakfast. He has also been an announcer at Dragons and Hawks home games.

"I love the day to day communication with listeners - radio is what I always wanted to do," he said.

"Quite a few have been ringing me and I appreciate that ... I'm just going to get on with life."

Stretton wants his last show today to be "as fun as it has been over the past nine years" and hopes listeners will ring in to say goodbye.

"I'll think of something corny, that's what I'm famous for," he said.