Legendary radio host retires after 2 decades of service—find out why
By
Gian T
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ABC Radio Adelaide's airwaves will soon miss a familiar and beloved voice. The esteemed radio host has announced his retirement after a remarkable twenty-year career.
For many of us who have tuned in to his insightful commentary and engaging interviews, this news marks the end of an era.
David Bevan's journey in journalism spans an impressive four decades, a testament to his dedication and passion for the craft.
He began his career in the trenches of print and television news before finding his true calling in radio—a medium he affectionately regards as 'the most intimate of media, but also the very best media.'
His voice has been a constant companion to many during their morning routines.
He offered a mix of news, analysis, and a personal touch that makes listeners feel like they are part of a larger community.
This unique connection has prompted an outpouring of tributes and heartfelt messages from his audience.
Some listeners have even humorously lamented the unexpected impact of the emotional announcement on their morning makeup routines.
Bevan's career highlights include his time as a court reporter for The Advertiser newspaper, covering the Ivan Polyukhovich war crimes trial and authoring the highly regarded book A Case to Answer.
His transition to ABC TV saw him covering political and other significant news.
He later gravitated towards radio, joining the Mornings program and forming a 15-year on-air partnership with Matthew Abraham.
‘I sat next to this guy, and David spent most of his working life working out ways around the editorial guidelines, where we could do what we wanted to do without getting into trouble or too much trouble,’ Abraham joked.
‘That's his superpower.’
The duo became known for their dynamic and often humorous approach to tackling the day's issues.
Abraham jokingly praised Bevan's finesse in navigating the editorial guidelines, which allowed them to push boundaries without crossing lines.
This partnership entertained and informed Adelaide listeners, cementing their place as a staple in the local media landscape.
As we reflect on Bevan's storied career, it's impossible not to feel a sense of nostalgia for the days of typewriters and butchers' paper, which he fondly recalls from his early days in journalism.
It's a reminder of how much the industry has evolved and how Bevan has remained constant through these changes, adapting and excelling at each new challenge.
His final broadcast on 13 December, a date he quips as auspicious given its Friday the 13th placement, will undoubtedly be a bittersweet moment for both Bevan and his listeners.
‘It's Friday the 13th, so nothing could possibly go wrong. Friday the 13th will be my last day here broadcasting,’ Bevan said.
While his voice will be missed, his legacy is integrity, wit, and an unwavering commitment to his audience.
As for what's next for the veteran journalist, Bevan hints at a quieter life.
‘I've got this biography of Ulysses S Grant that I wanted to read,’ Bevan said.
‘It's quite a thick book. I think it will occupy a bit of time.’
It's a well-deserved respite for someone who has spent decades informing and engaging with the public.
How will David Bevan’s retirement affect local radio and his loyal listeners? What are your favourite memories of his time on air? Let us know in the comments below.
For many of us who have tuned in to his insightful commentary and engaging interviews, this news marks the end of an era.
David Bevan's journey in journalism spans an impressive four decades, a testament to his dedication and passion for the craft.
He began his career in the trenches of print and television news before finding his true calling in radio—a medium he affectionately regards as 'the most intimate of media, but also the very best media.'
His voice has been a constant companion to many during their morning routines.
He offered a mix of news, analysis, and a personal touch that makes listeners feel like they are part of a larger community.
This unique connection has prompted an outpouring of tributes and heartfelt messages from his audience.
Some listeners have even humorously lamented the unexpected impact of the emotional announcement on their morning makeup routines.
Bevan's career highlights include his time as a court reporter for The Advertiser newspaper, covering the Ivan Polyukhovich war crimes trial and authoring the highly regarded book A Case to Answer.
His transition to ABC TV saw him covering political and other significant news.
He later gravitated towards radio, joining the Mornings program and forming a 15-year on-air partnership with Matthew Abraham.
‘I sat next to this guy, and David spent most of his working life working out ways around the editorial guidelines, where we could do what we wanted to do without getting into trouble or too much trouble,’ Abraham joked.
‘That's his superpower.’
The duo became known for their dynamic and often humorous approach to tackling the day's issues.
Abraham jokingly praised Bevan's finesse in navigating the editorial guidelines, which allowed them to push boundaries without crossing lines.
This partnership entertained and informed Adelaide listeners, cementing their place as a staple in the local media landscape.
As we reflect on Bevan's storied career, it's impossible not to feel a sense of nostalgia for the days of typewriters and butchers' paper, which he fondly recalls from his early days in journalism.
It's a reminder of how much the industry has evolved and how Bevan has remained constant through these changes, adapting and excelling at each new challenge.
His final broadcast on 13 December, a date he quips as auspicious given its Friday the 13th placement, will undoubtedly be a bittersweet moment for both Bevan and his listeners.
‘It's Friday the 13th, so nothing could possibly go wrong. Friday the 13th will be my last day here broadcasting,’ Bevan said.
While his voice will be missed, his legacy is integrity, wit, and an unwavering commitment to his audience.
As for what's next for the veteran journalist, Bevan hints at a quieter life.
‘I've got this biography of Ulysses S Grant that I wanted to read,’ Bevan said.
‘It's quite a thick book. I think it will occupy a bit of time.’
It's a well-deserved respite for someone who has spent decades informing and engaging with the public.
Key Takeaways
- ABC Radio Adelaide Mornings program presenter David Bevan is retiring after over two decades of broadcasting.
- Bevan joined ABC Radio Adelaide in 2000, following a distinguished print and television journalism career.
- He is renowned for his rigorous and ethically sound approach to journalism and his probing and hard-hitting political interviews.
- Tributes and emotional messages from listeners highlight the cherished relationship between Bevan and his audience.