Nicky Whitta

Clifford Nicholls "Nicky" Whitta (24 September 1903 – 8 September 1956) was a popular Australian radio personality. He originally broadcast as Nicky Nicholls.

He is also credited with being a mentor to Graham Kennedy during his early career.

Early life Born in 1903, Whitta was the second son to his parents, John and Lydia Whitta.

However, it was his late-morning/early afternoon program at 3UZ that he would become best known for. At the height of its popularity, Whitta's 3UZ program would attract 73% of the listening audience.

Work with Graham Kennedy

Upon his arrival at the station, Whitta was accompanied by Alf "Alfie Boy" Thesinger who was already working as Whitta's panel operator and on-air partner.

Although Whitta was known to keep a book full of jokes, gags and humorous anecdotes, Kennedy claimed he stopped using it after the first few months of the announcers working together, resulting in the humour becoming more improvised.

Whitta died before he could begin the program.

Following his death, Kennedy would use the many comedic skills Whitta had taught him when he began hosting the popular In Melbourne Tonight program in 1957.

Following Whitta's death, 3UZ hosted a scheduled live all-day broadcast from Melbourne's Anzac House, encouraging people to donate to the RSL's "Operation Gratitude" appeal. The appeal had been officially launched by Sir Dallas Brooks the previous July in a bid to raise money to build homes for returned military personnel.

During the 3UZ appeal, more than £30,000 of the £204,000 raised was donated "in memory of Nicky".

Portrayal In The King, the television movie about Graham Kennedy's life, Whitta was portrayed by Garry McDonald while Nancy Lee was portrayed by Roz Hammond. Their two sons Michael and Gary were portrayed by Chad Hamilton and Riley Hamilton