Being a Chum was Fun

Nancy Lee (Kathleen Whitta nee Lindgren) and her husband Nicky Whitta were. arguably, the most successful and influential personalities in the history of Melbourne Radio. 

The young Kathleen Lindgren  rose from a child star on stage to the female anchor of the Chums of Chatterbox Corner. Nicky Whitta was her male counterpart. Nancy and Nicky married. Nicky went on to became the most popular announcer ever on Melbourne Radio. He became the mentor of Graham Kennedy. This is the story of Melbourne Radio in the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s.

NANCY LEE. Few would realise that Nancy Lee was an early star of stage and screen. From the age of four she was a child actress in the theatre and motion pictures. She was signed on by 3AW in 1933 to take the centre spot in Chatterbox Corner. From that moment on she became the most appreciated and loved lady on Melbourne radio. 

ln 1935 she married Nicky -acknowledged as the most celebrated marriage in the story of Melbourne show business. From 1934 to 1938 Nancy Lee won every award possible in "The Most Popular Announcer” competitions eclipsing all comers including her renowned husband. 

ln the early 1940's she retired from radio to become wife-supporter to her husband and mother to their two sons Gary and Michael. She has made many welcome returns since to radio and TV.

She retired completely several years ago - one of her chief occupations being the writing of this book.


NICKY. Australia’s most popular radio personality ever. At his best while at 3UZ he drew an incredible 73% of the ratings of Melbourne radio. Chatterbox Corner was the most famous children's programme in Australian radio history. On 3AW in the thirties Nicky and Nancy Lee co-starred to a daily listening audience of at least 200,000. Nicky left his mark on Melbourne life too with his "Junior Stars of the Air" and his breakfast session on 3KZ. He made a successful contribution to Sydney radio on 2CH.

Graham Kennedy started off getting Nicky's tea and sandwiches. Nicky saw his potential. They developed into the most popular radio team ever known. Nick was the first person to be signed up for the new medium of TV. He died suddenly before it happened.

His funeral in 1956 was the biggest Melbourne had ever seen.