James Valentine, ABC talkback radio star, dies aged 64 after cancer diagnosis
Veteran 702 ABC Sydney presenter James Valentine has died aged 64 by voluntary assisted dying at home, two years after his cancer diagnosis.
The broadcaster hosted radio and television programs on ABC for 30 years; most notably, he presented the Afternoons radio program for over 20 years.
Valentine retired from 702 ABC Sydney in February after 25 years at the station, citing the need to focus on his cancer treatment.
James Valentine was a musician before starting his 30-year hosting career at ABC. (Provided)
Valentine’s family said in a statement: “James passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his adoring family.” he said.
“Throughout his illness James did this in his own way, and this continued until the moment he chose to do Voluntary Assisted Dying.”
“Both he and his family are grateful that he was given the option to leave on his own terms. He was as calm, dignified as ever, and somehow still made us laugh.”
Valentine is survived by his wife Joanne and their children Ruby and Roy.
ABC said commemorative arrangements and opportunities to honor Valentine’s Day will be shared in the coming days.
In March 2024, Valentine announced his first diagnosis, esophageal cancer, and took a leave of absence from the station to receive treatment.
Valentine returned to the Afternoon show last year; However, he left the program in June after scans revealed tumors in his omentum.
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At his farewell in February, he spoke of his love for the midday programme, where he explored humor in everyday life and made listeners in Sydney and New South Wales feel heard.
“I might ask callers to make up things, make up stories, get an imaginary idea of the city,” Valentine said.
“What a pleasure it was when you called in response to something I suggested.”
ABC general manager Hugh Marks described Valentine as “more than a presenter” in a statement.
“He has been a trusted companion for so many people and has been part of the rhythm of daily life for our audiences in Sydney for generations,” Marks said.
“James brought warmth, intelligence and humanity to radio, exemplifying the art of radio. His style was never about confrontation or noise; it was always about connection.”
Valentine became a member of the Order of Australia
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told 702 ABC that Sydney Valentine was a warm and generous person with a strong sense of kindness.
“He was always someone worth listening to,” he said.
“It was so interesting and so full of life.”
“Today, along with the sadness, there will also be the joy of a life well lived.“
“All our thoughts are with his family, his friends and indeed his ABC family today.”
James Valentine became a member of the Order of Australia last Saturday. (Provided)
Governor General Sam Mostyn paid tribute to Valentine as a friend who always had ideas on how society could be kinder.
“His ideas were very nice, kind, sensible and really important things about how the community comes together, as it does in radio, and what part we should all play.”
He said Valentine was made a member of the Order of Australia (AM) in a ceremony held last Saturday.
“As a pioneering broadcaster, a talented musician and a passionate advocate for the arts, his lifetime achievements enriched the public conversation and fostered Australian creativity,” reads Valentine’s AM citation.
“On radio, on screen and on stage, James reminded us that conversation and community matter and that civility is at the heart of public life.”
NSW Premier Chris Minns said he was devastated by the news of Valentine’s death and admitted he and his wife Anna were once anonymous talkback callers on an episode of his show This Is What I Live With.
“He had a strange and unique way of talking to people in Sydney and he was both a caring and interesting person, which is something unique. We will miss him very much,” Mr Minns said.
Talkback radio’s talented ‘conductor’
Friend and veteran broadcaster Richard Glover told Hamish Macdonald on 702 ABC Mornings that Valentine wanted his peers and listeners to spend the day “celebrating” and remembering the great times they shared.
“It was definitely the biggest professional and lucky moment of my career for me to meet him,” he said.
“He brought me joy and fun every day for 26 years.”
Glover said no one brought more joy to Sydney than Valentine.
“He lifted the spirit of the city every day for 25 years,” he said.
“How could this be? But it was his duty.”
Valentine’s radio show focused on joy and “the frailties of humanity” rather than the gloomy news cycle, Glover said.
Valentine was a jazz enthusiast and talented saxophonist, and gave concerts throughout his life.
“What he actually did was bring the spirit of jazz improvisation to talkback radio,” Glover said.
“He was the orchestra conductor. The audience was his instrument.“
ABC president Kim Williams told 702 ABC Mornings that Valentine is a “creative sage.”
“He was a writer, a terrific musician and a natural radio artist.
“And in radio, he’s someone who produces a lot of huge egos, who has the very rare ability to use himself as a tool for his guests and a tool for his listeners.”
Williams said Valentine was an “indelible” part of ABC and its audio memory.
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