Veteran broadcaster open to going back on 2GB after Nine sells radio network to Laundy family
Veteran broadcaster Ray Hadley is open to returning to broadcast afterward. Nine sells radio network The billionaire Laundy family of pubs and slots, including talkback stations 2GB in Sydney and 3AW in Melbourne.
Hadley, who retired from the top-rated morning channel on 2GB in December 2024 after 43 years behind the microphone, told this imprint that he had a decades-long relationship with the Laundy family and would consider returning if the station’s new owners wanted him to.
“If they want to talk to me, I’d be happy,” Hadley said. “I like them, they’re good, decent people.”
Hadley, who took his first daily radio shifts while driving a taxi in 1980, became the titan of talkback radio. As well as his own show, where he wielded influence over both state and federal politicians, Hadley was a leading figure in NRL and Olympic commentary.
When she left 2GB, Hadley reportedly took home an annual salary of over $3 million.
But two sources close to Nine radio expressed doubts that the veteran broadcaster would rejoin the new Laundy-owned network, noting that his successor Mark Levy earned much less but achieved similar ratings.
Hadley, who now records a daily video Daily TelegraphHe had previously hinted that he would return if his old friend, advertising and racing entrepreneur John Singleton, purchased his radio network.
Singleton was among a group of bidders with other broadcasters initially reporting interest in the radio network, alongside a bid led by Australian Digital Holdings, the conservative media streaming service chaired by former ABC chairman Maurice Newman and previously associated with Alan Jones.
Multiple Nine sources, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss a confidential sales process, said those possibilities were “never serious”.
Craig Hutchison’s Sports Entertainment Group had also made an offer but it was rejected in favor of a $56 million bid from the Laundy Family Office, led by patriarch Arthur Laundy. The deal was negotiated on Laundy’s side by his son Craig.
Although a number of different potential buyers have been introduced in recent months, 2GB’s highest-earning star Ben Fordham said it was a testament to the family and Nine that the Laundy name was not mentioned until this week.
“It’s a great story. In a city that couldn’t shut up, they stayed silent until the last second,” said Fordham, who hosts the station’s breakfast show.
Fordham, who has known the Laundy family for two decades, told this imprint that the deal was “a match made in heaven.”
“That gave me some inspiration. I was in two minds about what I wanted to do in the long term. Do I stay as a radio presenter forever? I haven’t figured out what I’m going to do after this year, but I’ll be sitting down with Laundys next week,” he said. “I tend to stay. Maybe I’ll do the breakfast show a little longer.”
Both Craig and Arthur Laundry were photographed celebrating with Fordham for lunch with his crew at one of the family’s bars on Friday afternoon.
Other talent on the network remained optimistic about the new owners. Tom Elliott, host of 3AW’s highly rated show morning The show in the Melbourne market said it was looking forward to meeting the Laundys next week.
“HE [Arthur Laundy] He sent us a very nice message. He loves talkback radio and relates it to the conversations people have in their bars. He thinks we did it well,” Elliott said.
In a message to Nine Radio staff on Friday morning, former Liberal MPs Arthur and Craig Laundy described themselves as “long-time listeners, first-time owners” and said the stations would be a natural fit for the family’s pub empire.
“We see strong similarities between hotels and talkback radio. In public bars we chat with our customers about the issues of the day. Often, the thoughts on our friends’ minds
“Customers are shaped by what you do in radio… and vice versa,” they said.
Nine Entertainment is the owner of this imprint.
The Business Briefing newsletter delivers big stories, exclusive news and expert insights. Sign up to receive it every weekday morning.
Kishor Napier-Raman is senior business writer for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age. He previously worked as a CBD columnist and reporter in the federal parliament press gallery.Connect with: X or email.
Calum Jaspan is a media writer for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, based in Melbourne. Reach him securely on Signal @calumjaspan.10Connect with: X or email.
