Legendary broadcaster John Laws, the voice that defined Australian talkback radio, dies aged 90
Broadcasting great John Laws, the unmistakable voice behind decades of Australian radio, has died aged 90.
Known to generations of listeners as the “Golden Tonsil” man, Mr Laws was a major figure in Australian broadcasting and spent more than 70 years behind the microphone at stations 2UE and 2GB in Sydney.
Throughout his remarkable career, he has become one of the country’s highest-paid and most enduring voices in talkback radio.
Although he regularly commented on current events, he considered himself an entertainer and salesman, not a journalist.
Despite this, his interviews with political leaders were considered highly influential, shaping public opinion and politics in NSW and across the country.
Beyond radio, Mr. Laws has hosted several television shows, recorded albums and published books of poetry.
His radio show reached audiences across Australia and was among the most listened to and most influential programs in the country’s media landscape.
Generations also recognized his rich voice from countless commercials and endorsements; the most famous was his catchphrase “Valvoline, you know what I mean”, which became a part of Australian pop culture.
The veteran presenter had been receiving palliative care in recent weeks and died in the early hours of Sunday morning, the Daily Telegraph reported.
