Vale Bill Caralis: Founder, chairman of 2SM Super Radio Network dies at Tweed Heads home

One of Australia’s most successful radio tycoons – and most mysterious – has been remembered as creating a “juggernaut” network and living a life filled with “amazing accomplishments”.

One of Australia’s most successful radio tycoons – and most mysterious – has been remembered as creating a “juggernaut” network and living a life filled with “amazing accomplishments”.

2SM Super Radio Network founder, chairman and managing director Bill Caralis died on Friday after suffering a heart attack. He was 84.

Caralis lived in Tweed Heads but died in hospital, a 2SM spokesperson told this masthead.

The Greek-born migrant was instrumental in running 42 stations across the 2SM network in New South Wales and Queensland, and has previously been dubbed “the recluse of radio”, rarely offering interviews or photographs.

2SM is the largest privately-owned radio network in NSW.

He was also once coined the “most frugal media proprietor in the country”, according to The Daily Telegraph.

“He … spends little capital on equipment but what he has on talent,” the story read.

Mr Caralis was estimated to be worth around $200 million, according to a 2005 profile by the Australian Financial Review.

In a tribute piece from Radio Info, Mr Caralis was remembered as having “a close connection with staff across his network who he allowed a unique freedom to run their stations independently”.

“While he was reclusive to outside media interest, he was deeply invested in his stations and his people,” the tribute read.

In the aftermath of the Second World War, Mr Caralis’ father George uprooted the family to Sydney, where he worked as a grocer.

Mr Caralis made a foray in the liquor trade before turning developer and building a shopping centre in Marrickville.

He was a lifelong rugby league enthusiast and a former president of the legendary Newtown Jets.

Reclusive radio station owner Bill Caralis as shown in a 1981 rugby photograph. Caralis is in the black suit and is flanked by League legends Tommy Raudonikis and Phil Gould. Picture: Supplied.

After moving to the Tweed Coast in the early 1980s, Mr Caralis purchased

2RG Griffith, followed by stations in Dubbo, Parkes and Mudgee, according to Radio Info.

He then acquired stations in Lismore, Murwillumbah, Taree, Toowoomba, Gunnedah, Gympie, Tamworth, Armidale, Moree, Grafton, Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie and Orange.

In 2000 he bought 2HD and NEWFM Newcastle from the NSW Labor Council and 2SM Sydney from INXS’s Chris Murphy.

In 1999, a sprawling four-level building in Pyrmont was constructed to house the 2SM network.

Renowned broadcaster John Laws joined 2SM mornings in 2011.

On Monday, 2HD presenter Dave Cochrane, filling in for John Laws, gave a minute’s silence for Mr Caralis as tribute.

“There are many people shocked and saddened to hear about Bill’s passing, including myself,” he said.

“We wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for him.”

Tributes have flooded Facebook, with people saying his death was a “terrible time for the radio industry”.

Legendary broadcaster John Laws has been on the airwaves for 71 years, joining 2SM in 2011. Picture: Richard Dobson

Tony Lawson wrote: “The man created a juggernaught of a network. Amazing accomplishments. Sad to hear he’s left.”

Walter Williams wrote: “Bill gave so many of my colleagues an opportunity in radio. Most importantly he treated my mate Grant Goldman – Forever On Air – so well in his final years.

Cheryl Harvey said Mr Caralis made a “huge impact” on the broadcasting industry.

Ben Harrison added: “RIP Bill … you gave me my first gig in commercial radio at 2AD and I’m forever grateful. You did a lot for the regional radio industry!”

The Caralis family issued a statement saying business would continue as usual and Mr Caralis’ children would be delegated the roles of joint managing directors of the network, according to Radio Info.

Mr Caralis’ family and his associates have been contacted for comment.

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