SA radio legend Philip Satchell dead at 83

SA radio legend Philip Satchell, who spent four decades on-air at ABC Radio, has died at the age of 83 after a long illness.

ABC radio presenter Philip Satchell at the ABC’s Collinswood studio.

SA radio legend Philip Satchell has died at the age of 83 after a long illness.

The popular broadcaster, who spent 40 years on ABC radio, passed away peacefully at the Royal Adelaide Hospital on Sunday night surrounded by family.

Friends have remembered Satchell as a “kind and encouraging” colleague who was highly respected in the radio industry.

Close friend and ABC local content manager Graeme Bennett paid tribute to the long-time presenter, describing Satchell as a “wonderful man and a wonderful broadcaster”.

ABC radio presenter Philip Satchell at the Collinswood studio.

“He was an original. He had his own style and approach... he had that rare ability to make everybody feel that their story was worth telling.

“I would put Philip on the highest rung of broadcaster that this state has been home to.

“We’re really proud to have worked with him.”

Carole Whitelock, who worked alongside Satchell for more than 20 years, said she had been in awe of the award-winning presenter when she arrived at the station in 1980.

“He was a very revered figure. He was the established and most distinguished broadcaster at the time,” she said.

Radio presenter Philip Satchell at his retirement party with wife Cecily, left, and Carole Whitelock at the Italian Centre, in October 2003.

“But he was very encouraging to any new person who came into the field. He’d take his time to give you advice.”

Born in Newcastle, NSW in 1937 as the son of an Anglican minister, Satchell began his radio career in 1956 when he signed on with the national broadcaster as a dispatch assistant.

He moved to Adelaide in 1963 and worked every shift at the station, including a long and successful stint in the afternoon timeslot. Satchell retired as host of evenings in 2003.

Radio presenter Philip Satchell in 1978.

Radio presenter Philip Satchell with wife Cecily.

His dulcet tones won him numerous awards, including a Member of the Order of Australia in 1988.

Radio veteran David Bevan said Satchell’s longevity in the industry was a testament to skill as a broadcaster.

“There aren’t many that last anywhere near that long and I doubt whether we’ll see the likes of Philip again. We’ve been very blessed,” said Bevan, who worked closely with Satchell in the early 2000s.

“He had a great empathy for people - he was not judgmental, he always had an open mind.

“He was a good friend, and a very gracious, generous man.”

Presenter and friend Spence Denny said Satchell had been an “extraordinary gentleman”.

“He was just such a big part of living in Adelaide via ABC radio for 40 years … it’s incredible,” he said.

One of the pioneers of local programming in the early 1970s, Satchell was renowned for his long “on-air pause” during interviews, which was one of the secrets to his success, according to Bennett.

“He would just wait until the interview subject filled the space and very often they did that with really interesting responses,” he said.

“I’ve not heard anyone before or since utilise that as effectively as he has done.”

Satchell is survived by his wife Cecily, teenage daughter Jemimah, and three adult sons, Andrew, Tim and David, from a previous marriage.

Originally published as SA radio legend Philip Satchell dead at 83