Tuesday November 28, 2023 marks 70 years on air for John Laws.
Laws started at 3BO in Bendigo in 1953, joining 2UE four years later and playing the latest international and local music releases, using contacts in the airline industry to get them to air as otherwise they would not reach radio stations for months. He later worked at 2GB and 2UW, then back to 2UE when the station was rating poorly taking it to No 1 in Sydney for many years and being syndicated nationwide.
Communications lecturer Glen Lewis said of Laws in 1983 that he “sets the agenda” on air. Laws also appeared on television shows and was the recognised voice for commercials for Valvoline and Oral B.
Former Prime Minister Paul Keating called Laws the “broadcaster of the century” at an event marking his 40th anniversary, and he was presented with an ARIA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2008.
On November 30 2007 Laws decided he would retire from radio and 2UE after several years of fierce personal, commercial and ratings battles with Alan Jones on 2GB. He rejoined the fold, with his golden microphone, on 2SM Mornings in February 2011.
Special guests including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese joined Lawsie to celebrate and reminisce.