Radio broadcaster shakes things up with surprise announcement
- Replies 31
In an industry where voices come and go, one has resonated through the airwaves for approximately seven decades.
John Laws, a name synonymous with Australian radio, has decided to switch off the microphone and embrace the quieter side of life.
His retirement announcement surprised the nation, and listeners tuned in to what felt like the end of an era.
At the venerable age of 89, John Laws delivered the unexpected news to his loyal audience during his 2SM breakfast show.
It was a casual revelation prompted by a listener's email praising the enjoyment his show brought each morning.
'You're not going to be hearing it for long, mate,' Laws responded.
'I think it's time for a rest.'
The broadcasting titan, affectionately known as 'the Golden Tonsils' for his rich, resonant voice, has been a fixture in the Australian media landscape since the 1950s.
His career, which spans an incredible 71 years, is a testament to his enduring appeal and the deep connection he has forged with generations of Australians.
Laws' decision to retire is a poignant moment for him and the countless listeners who have made his voice a part of their daily lives.
'I've done it for a very, very, very, very long time,' he mused on air.
'And I'll just call it a day and call it a day pretty soon.'
He indicated that he would likely bid his final goodbye at the beginning of November, marking his 71st year on air.
The announcement was all the more surprising given Laws' previous statements on retirement.
Just last year, he wanted to continue broadcasting even at 100.
'I don't think about retirement. I suppose I will have to one day, but no, I don't want to stop,' he said.
Clearly, the decision to retire was not made lightly, and he acknowledged his deep passion for his work.
Throughout his illustrious career, Laws has been more than just a voice on the radio; he's been a confidant, a provocateur, and a companion to the Australian public.
His influence was such that former Prime Minister Paul Keating dubbed him 'the broadcaster of the century.'
Laws' tenure at Sydney's 2UE is particularly notable, where he first appeared in 1957 and from where he broadcast for many years.
After a brief retirement in 2007, the lure of the microphone proved too firm, and Laws returned to the airwaves with 2SM in 2011.
But this time, he insists, retirement is for good.
'I'm not going to go away and then come back again and say, “Oh, it was all a mistake,”' he stated firmly.
'It may be a mistake, but there'll be no return. That's it.'
How has his voice been a part of your life? What will you miss most about his broadcasts? Let's honour this radio icon together in the comments below.
John Laws, a name synonymous with Australian radio, has decided to switch off the microphone and embrace the quieter side of life.
His retirement announcement surprised the nation, and listeners tuned in to what felt like the end of an era.
At the venerable age of 89, John Laws delivered the unexpected news to his loyal audience during his 2SM breakfast show.
It was a casual revelation prompted by a listener's email praising the enjoyment his show brought each morning.
'You're not going to be hearing it for long, mate,' Laws responded.
Legendary broadcaster John Laws' retirement from radio has been announced. Credit: Sky News Australia / YouTube
'I think it's time for a rest.'
The broadcasting titan, affectionately known as 'the Golden Tonsils' for his rich, resonant voice, has been a fixture in the Australian media landscape since the 1950s.
His career, which spans an incredible 71 years, is a testament to his enduring appeal and the deep connection he has forged with generations of Australians.
Laws' decision to retire is a poignant moment for him and the countless listeners who have made his voice a part of their daily lives.
'I've done it for a very, very, very, very long time,' he mused on air.
'And I'll just call it a day and call it a day pretty soon.'
He indicated that he would likely bid his final goodbye at the beginning of November, marking his 71st year on air.
The announcement was all the more surprising given Laws' previous statements on retirement.
Just last year, he wanted to continue broadcasting even at 100.
'I don't think about retirement. I suppose I will have to one day, but no, I don't want to stop,' he said.
Clearly, the decision to retire was not made lightly, and he acknowledged his deep passion for his work.
Throughout his illustrious career, Laws has been more than just a voice on the radio; he's been a confidant, a provocateur, and a companion to the Australian public.
His influence was such that former Prime Minister Paul Keating dubbed him 'the broadcaster of the century.'
Laws' tenure at Sydney's 2UE is particularly notable, where he first appeared in 1957 and from where he broadcast for many years.
After a brief retirement in 2007, the lure of the microphone proved too firm, and Laws returned to the airwaves with 2SM in 2011.
But this time, he insists, retirement is for good.
'I'm not going to go away and then come back again and say, “Oh, it was all a mistake,”' he stated firmly.
'It may be a mistake, but there'll be no return. That's it.'
.png){kind=icon}
