Homage was paid this morning to the ‘balding maths nerd’ who had more Sydney listeners than either Alan Jones or Kyle Sandilands.
The 702 audience who had come to be part of Spencer’s last day had no intention of moving from their seats during the news and AM, instead listening to Spencer replay many of his classic moments as 702’s breakfast broadcasterr, including that interview with Lord Monkton.
Many iconic Australians called in to profess their regular listenership of Spencer’s program, and their sadness to see him leave. These included Tanya Plibersek, who praised Spencer’s advocation of female sport; Barry O’Farrell, who quipped that he has the only conservative politician who enjoyed an ABC radio program; and Mark Scott, who said that Spencer effortlessly balanced the public broadcasting ethos of educating the public while entertaining them.
Comedian Dan Illic tweeted during the program: “Comedy. Broadcasting. Charity –
is a role model, a mentor and a mate. Congrats on your radio finale Mr Sydney. “Presenter Charlie Pickering was another to send a twitter tribute: “Congratulations
for his brilliant hosting of 702 ABC Breakfast. One of the greats.”Many other notable Australians also paid tribute to Spencer via twitter.
Although he has no immediate plans once he finishes, his departure comes about with Adam’s desire for a change.
He’ll continue to be the “public champ of maths and science” and to focus on his charity work. He is also looking forward to spending more time on the sidelines of his daughter’s soccer games, and to fine tune his new passion – playing guitar. radioinfo was there as it happened.
Spencer’s replacement is Robbie Buck, seen here at the breakfast OB with 702 Manager Andy Henley.
The ABC TV studio was packed with listeners farewelling Spencer.