Veteran radio broadcaster John Laws has died at the age of 90 at his home in Sydney.
Laws, whose career spanned seven decades, only stepped back from the airwaves last year.
His passing was confirmed by his management company in a statement on Sunday night.
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“John was in good form when he returned from a European holiday in September,” it read. “He spent two weeks in hospital last month and was then cared for at his home at Woolloomooloo, where he died peacefully.”
Born in Papua New Guinea in 1935, Laws began his career in Bendigo in 1953.
He had four stints at 2UE between 1957 and 2007, and two at rival station 2GB. His first move to the latter came after a notable bidding war for his services, while his return to 2UE in 1988 saw him lift the station from eighth to No.1 in the ratings. He remained there until 2007.
He received an OBE in 1974, which was followed by a CBE four years later.
His longtime wife, Caroline, died in 2020.
Fellow broadcaster Kyle Sandilands was among the first to pay tribute to Laws.
“John Laws was one of the true originals,” he wrote on X. “You could never mistake him for anyone else. He said what he thought, didn’t care who he offended, but could also show deep compassion when required. I’m devastated to have lost a mentor and a mate. Radio won’t be the same without him.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was also quick to share his condolences.
“John Laws was an iconic voice and so much more,” he posted. “Generations of Australians trusted and respected him for telling it straight, digging deep and giving his guests and his listeners a chance to be heard. John was always a thoroughly prepared and thoughtful interviewer — and wonderful company off-air. My condolences to his loved ones and to all who benefited from his wisdom and guidance.”
NSW Premier Chris Minns called the father of five a ‘towering figure’.
“It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of John Laws, a towering figure in Australian radio whose voice resonated across the nation for more than seven decades,” he said in a statement.
“John’s career was extraordinary. Few broadcasters have left such a deep and lasting mark on Australian media.”
