2024 ACRA Awards: Bob Rogers, enters Hall of Fame; Ben Fordham takes top accolade

Legendary Australian broadcaster Bob Rogers has been inducted into the Commercial Radio Hall of Fame, with his extraordinary career recognised at the industry’s annual awards.

Bob Rogers, who died in May, was inducted into the Commercial Radio Hall of Fame at the weekend. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Legendary Australian broadcaster Bob Rogers has been inducted into the Commercial Radio Hall of Fame, with his extraordinary career recognised at the industry’s annual awards, held in Sydney on Saturday.

Rogers, who died in May, aged 97, began his radio career in 1942 at 3XY in Melbourne, and in the ensuing decades he became one of Australia’s most beloved and influential broadcasters.

In 1958, he hosted Australia’s first Top 40 countdown on 2UE, and in 1964, he made history when he joined The Beatles on their Australian tour, exclusively interviewing the band for 2SM and earning the nickname, ‘The fifth Beatle’.

Commercial Radio & Audio’s chief executive officer Lizzie Young said Mr Rogers was a monumental figure in Australian radio, “whose voice and pioneering spirit shaped the industry”.

Rogers’ longtime colleague and fellow broadcaster, Ray Hadley, also paid tribute to the radio icon.

“No-one lasted longer and had greater success than Bob,” he said.

“He was there when radio was in its infancy in 1942, and was still on air well into his nineties.

“Despite his fame he was completely unaffected by his success.

“He was a great broadcaster and a wonderful man.”

The night’s top accolade, ­Individual Talent of the Year, was awarded to Ben Fordham, the host of 2GB’s Sydney breakfast show.