2GB radio broadcaster Ray Hadley announces retirement
After an illustrious career spanning almost five decades, veteran 2GB radio broadcaster Ray Hadley has announced he will retire.
NSW
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Top talkback radio host Ray Hadley has called time on his nearly 50 year career.
The veteran broadcaster made the announcement live on air 45 minutes into his morning show on 2GB, stating his last day on air will be December 13.
“It’s been a hell of a ride from a young bloke wanting to call the races to being the old bloke sitting in this studio for so long, but the time has come for someone else to do the job,” Hadley told listeners.
“2GB has been my home for almost 24 years. I’ve worked with some outstanding colleagues but none better than my current crop of young producers.”
Hadley turned 70 in September and has over recent months alluded to his thoughts of retirement.
“Back in September I turned 70 and started to think how long have I got left on this earth and do I want to keep getting up at 3.30 in the morning, meaning I’ve got to be early,” he said.
“At social events I’m always the first out the door - I don’t want to be the first out the door anymore.”
Hadley name-checked several colleagues, including Nine Radio managing director Tom Malone, with whom he has been discussing his retirement for some time.
He also mentioned breakfast host Ben Fordham and John Stanley on nights.
“To all my colleagues here at 2GB, I wish all of you much success into the future,” he said.
“To you, my listeners, thank you for your unswerving loyalty and I say with much sincerity I’ll leave here on December 13 with me owing 2GB and my listeners much more than they owe me.”
Hadley’s announcement comes a day ahead of John Laws — known as the Golden Tonsils — hangs up his headphones for the last time after a hugely successful seven-decade career.
Premier Chris Minns was first to call in to 2GB on Thursday.
“Ray, I’m in shock at the moment, a lot of people are.”
The premier paid tribute to Hadley’s “distinguished and fearless career”.
“You’ve never pulled your punches. You’ve been the voice of people’s lives for many, many years.”
Federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton also paid tribute to Hadley, not only calling him a “great mate” but also a “true patriot”.
“You’ve contributed so significantly, on behalf of your listeners to the betterment of our country, a true patriot mate and you’ve fought for a lot of good causes,” he said on 2GB.
“You’ve supported many sectors and many aspects of Australian society, and you really are part of Australian culture, and it’ll be difficult to tune into 2GB and not to listen to the Ray Hadley morning show.
“So it’s really a big day in that regard. And to go out, as Deb said, on your own terms, is something you deserve. And I wish you every continued success.”
Hadley has won 35 Australian Commercial Radio Awards over his career, and has also been inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame.
He told listeners he had not been beaten in the ratings for 20 years over roughly 5000 shows in addition to calling 3000 rugby league games for the station.
“I achieved far more than I have thought I would,” he said.
His family, he said, had “made many sacrifices over the years for me to realise my ambitions”.
“Seven years ago I had no grandchildren, now I have seven and I want to spend more time in the company of Ava, Noah, Ella, Lola, Tommy, Remi and Millar along with their parents.”
Hadley married long-time colleague, second wife Sophie, three years ago.
“She’s the most supportive, calming, loving wife anyone could ask for,” he said.
“She deserves a break.”
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