2UE general manager Chris Parker has announced the retirement of John Brennan as the station’s programming consultant, due to illness. Parker wrote: “We had anticipated his continued involvement across 2012 but I’m afraid serious illnesses over the last two years has forced him to retire at 80 years of age.” Brenno has spent 62 continuous years in radio, first in music radio stations such as 2SM and more recently in talk radio. He has been responsible for discovering many of today’s radio stars.
Some of the names that Brennan introduced to Sydney radio include Alan Jones, Mike Walsh, Ray Hadley, Don Burke, David Oldfield, Gordon Elliott, Ron Casey, Mike Gibson, Stan Zemanek, Brian Bury, Phil Haldeman, Tony ‘Murph The Surf ‘Murphy, John Stanley, Mad Mel, Peter Frilingos, Lindey Milan, Prue MacSween, Shirley Stackhouse, Kathryn Greiner, Fiona McCallum, Brian Carlton, Rod Muir, Suzy Yates, and straight from school, Andrew Moore and Peter Overton.
Brenno was Program Director at 2UE for many years, then went across to 2GB when the station grabbed Alan Jones and began its current ratings rise. Brenno retired from 2GB in 2007, but was soon lured back to 2UE as a consultant. His son, Peter Brennan, is currently 2UE’s Program Director.
When Brenno retired, for the first time, in 2007, he told radioinfo:
“The Australian radio industry and I grew up together, I have been so lucky to have been able to share so many landmark moments with Sydney listeners. I started in the business just after the end of the Second World War. I have observed each generation with the same passions for peace as war has threatened different countries around the world. Yes, history does repeat itself.
“Whether it is the outbreak of war, a closely fought election or our national sporting success, I have witnessed Australians reacting and coming to the aid of a mate in the most amazing and inspiring circumstances. We name each generation, from baby boomers to Generation Y, but there are core values that don’t change. I can attest to that after [so many years] talking to Australians about every subject you can imagine.”
Brenno’s career highlights and achievements include:
Inducted into the Australian Radio Hall of Fame in 2002
The winner of three RAWARDS for Best Metropolitan Program Director in Australia in 1993, 1994 and 1996, after which he asked not to be nominated again because he wanted to leave the opportunity open to others
Winner of the Silver Award for the Best World – International Talk Format at New York Radio Festival 1991
Winner of the Silver Award for Best World – International Talk Radio Award at New York Radio Festival 1993
Awarded an OAM for service to radio 1989
Awarded an Advance Australia Award for outstanding contribution to radio 1990
Awarded a Citation from the Catholic Church 1992 for helping to further Christian ideals in the media. Cardinal Freeman made the presentation at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Sydney.
Brenno has been sick for a while and his health has deteriorated further in recent times.