Tributes flow for long-time ABC host James Valentine after cancer forces retirement
Well wishes have poured in for ABC Radio Sydney presenter James Valentine, who has announced his retirement due to cancer.
Listeners and former colleagues were shocked and saddened by the veteran broadcaster’s announcement yesterday; they appreciated his humor, creativity and warmth on air.
Valentine hosted Afternoons for more than 20 years, but has been off the air since June after he was diagnosed with omentum cancer, which affects a layer of tissue above the stomach and intestines.
Loading…
Yesterday he said he had made the regrettable decision to let someone else “try this amazing transformation”.
“I need to focus on getting better, being with my family and friends, and making sure I’m doing the best I can for my health,” the veteran broadcaster told the audience.
Former ABC Radio Sydney Drive presenter Richard Glover said Valentine made you feel proud to be from Sydney.
“I can’t think of anyone who has truly improved the atmosphere of a city over as long a period as James.”
Glover said.
“It was a daily effort to get people to focus on life, ordinary life, and how important and beautiful it is, and he did it every day for 20 years.”
Valentine often challenged his audience to get creative by writing poems, plays, and even offer satirical proposals for Sydney’s new infrastructure.
Richard Glover and James Valentine became close friends during their more than 20 years at ABC Radio Sydney. (ABC Radio Sydney: Declan Bowring)
“So when you’re sitting there listening to the radio you think, ‘Wow, Sydneysiders are funny, lively, witty and amazing,'” Glover said.
“He brought it out to people.”
Valentine conducted his audience like a ‘great orchestra’
For more than 20 years, the two broadcasters would chat live for 10 minutes while Valentine wrapped up his Afternoon program and handed over the microphone.
“He was incredibly creative… I had complete faith that I could start in the weirdest places and he would find us a fun place to go,” Glover said.
While many view talkback radio as an opportunity for listeners to voice their opinions on politics, Valentine had a different approach; he would focus on social oddities or allow his listeners to vent petty grievances.
“I think James realized that if you really ask about their lives, it can be a much more nurturing thing and certainly a lot more fun,” Glover said.
A talented saxophonist, Valentine’s musical training was reflected in his broadcasting style.
“He was finally able to train his audience to become the greatest orchestra, and he was the conductor.”
James Valentine was a talkback radio master who encouraged listeners to tell stories and get creative. (ABC Radio Sydney: Declan Bowring)
Former ABC Radio Sydney executive Peter Wall, who recruited Valentine in the early 1990s, said he knew from his first shift that he was a natural in the studio.
“When you listen to the first hour you’re blown away and you know you’re happy with what you’ve achieved, and that’s what I did with it,” he said.
What set Valentine apart from his peers was the “looseness” he reflected in the publications.
“There’s something groundbreaking about some of these people. They manage to stay themselves despite the pressures put on them… he was one of those special people on radio.”
ABC chief executive Hugh Marks described Valentine as “one of the great creative forces in Australian broadcasting”.
“He has an uncanny ability to transform everyday moments into joyful, smart and surprising radio, and the connection he has built with his listeners over the decades simply cannot be overstated,” he said.
“We are proud to celebrate all he has brought to ABC and wish him strength and support as he focuses on his health.”
Listeners will have the chance to enjoy the most unforgettable moments of Valentine’s Day with a special retrospective airing on Friday, showcasing the best of past Valentine’s Day shows.
Callers thank Valentine for bringing joy to boring days
Hundreds of listeners flooded the message line, thanking Valentine for his work over the years and wishing him well in his battle with cancer.
In March 2024, Valentine announced his first diagnosis of esophageal cancer and took leave to undergo treatment.
Valentine returned to the program the same year and hosted Afternoons until June 2025, when new tumors were discovered.
James Valentine, a talented jazz musician, is also leaving the ABC Jazz show Upbeat. (Provided by: James Valentine)
Longtime listener Jacqueline said she was sad Valentine wasn’t returning.
“James Valentine turned me into a serial troublemaker. I couldn’t resist his episodes. He kept me company throughout parental leave, through the boring days of living alone during isolation. I was so sorry to hear he wasn’t coming back. He brought so much joy to us all.”
Listeners praised his welcoming, warm and kind style.
“There was no fake, fake tolerance, it was legal,” Sarah said.
Many were fans of Valentine’s Day’s This Is What I Live For Talk segment, which allows people to talk about their partner’s foibles.
Tony described him as an independent marriage counselor, while Louise stated that this episode helped keep couples together.
“I think that probably helped normalize some of the craziness in our matchups… Sometimes it’s those little weird things that bother people more than the big things,” he said.
Valentine could also be handling the serious stuff, with Jill praising her coverage of the 2019 Christchurch mosque shootings.
“He was rightfully shocked and horrified, but equally full of compassion and empathy. It was just at a time when I felt like we really needed this, and I’m really going to miss him this afternoon,” he said.
James O’Loghlin is taking his place as Afternoons presenter, but a permanent replacement has yet to be announced.
