Australia’s biggest name in talk radio, John Law, has died aged 90.
A member of the Australian Media Hall of Fame, Laws attracted 2 million listeners to his morning radio program at the height of his popularity during a career that spanned seven decades.
Former colleagues and friends paid tribute on Sunday night to the man known as “the golden barrels”, who died a year after hanging up his microphone.
The Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, paid tribute to the laws, calling him “an iconic voice and more”.
“Generations of Australians have trusted and respected him for telling it straight, digging deep and giving his guests and listeners a chance to be heard,” Albanese said.
“Juan is always a prepared and thoughtful interviewer – and wonderful company without the wind. My thanks to his loved ones and to all who benefited from his wisdom and guidance.”
Born in New Guinea on 8 August 1935, Laws moved to Australia with his family as a school student, launching his radio career in Bendigo in 1953.
He spent four separate stations at Sydney Station 2ue after first joining the broadcaster in 1957, working for 2GB, 2Sm and had short spells with networkel.
“John Law is one of the true originals,” Kyle Sandiland told X on Sunday.
“You can’t mistake him for anyone. He speaks his mind, doesn’t care who’s wrong, but can also show deep compassion when needed.
“I’m sad to have lost a mentor and a partner. Radio just wouldn’t be the same without him.”
Laws pioneered a unique mix of entertainment, information and opinion, delivered by one of the most recognized voices in the country.
His shows are widely broadcast around Australia, and he is particularly popular in rural NSW.
Laws was said to be the best paid radio personality in the world at one stage of his career, with 2UE management presenting him with a golden microphone.
Laws did not achieve his fame and success without controversy. In 1999, he was at the center of a cash-for-commentary scandal alongside fellow 2UE broadcaster Alan Jones. The pair are accused of accepting payments from the companies in exchange for preferred on-air commentary. Both have denied any wrongdoing.
The NSW Premier, Chris Minns, said Laws was a “central figure in Australian radio whose voice has lived across the country for more than seven decades”.
“Several broadcasters have left a deep and lasting mark on Australian media,” Minns said in a statement on Sunday.
“On behalf of the NSW government, I extend my deepest gratitude to Juan’s family, friends, colleagues and everyone who listened, knew and challenged him.”