Ray Hadley has announced this morning on 2GB in Sydney that he is retiring after more than four decades on radio providing talkback, sport commentary and championing country music.
Ray said:
“My own four children made many sacrifices for me over the years, allowing me to realise my ambitions, and I want to spend more time with them and my seven grandchildren. Sophie has been the most supporting, calming, loving and amazing wife – and she deserves a break too!”
Ray started on air in 1981 alongside Gary O’Callaghan on 2UE as a traffic reporter and by the following year he was calling Rugby League matches and horse races. The first State of Origin match next year would have been his 100th Origin call. He’s been part of 35 Rugby League Grand Finals, thousands of club games, a founding member of The Continuous Call Team, three Rugby World Cups and seven Olympic Games, including this year in Paris:
The Sydney Football Stadium honoured Hadley’s contribution to sports, unveiling earlier this year The Ray Hadley Commentary Box.
On March 4, 2002, The Ray Hadley Morning Show first went to air on 2GB. Ray has had 160 consecutive ratings wins in the time slot. He is also the most decorated radio host in Australian Commercial Radio Award (ACRA) history, with 35 awards and was inducted into the ACRA Hall of Fame in 2017. At the recent ACRAs, besides winning an award with the Continuous Call Team, he posthumously inducted his friend and sometimes radio rival Bob Rogers into the Hall of Fame.
He and Bob’s daughter Justy spoke afterwards to Radioinfo about the friendship and Bob’s deserved place in the Hall of Fame:
In 2003 Ray was recognised with a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM), for his commitment to rugby league and fundraising efforts for charities. At the start of this year he also received the Country Music Capital Award at the Golden Guitar Awards, for his passionate support for the genre. The Ray Hadley Country Music Countdown has supported emerging and legendary talent in Australian country music across 573 episodes and 16 years.
Ray said:
“I’ve had the ride of my life at 2GB for more than 23 years, firstly under the ownership of John Singleton and more recently with Nine Entertainment and Nine Radio. I leave the network with me owing 2GB everything for my success and longevity. I wish all my colleagues continued success.”
Nine Radio’s Managing Director, Tom Malone said:
“We’ll likely never see another broadcaster of Ray’s versatility, longevity and ratings success. While the 2GB listeners will miss that familiar jingle and voice at 9am every day, I’m sure they wish Ray all the best in retirement with Sophie and the family.”
Friday, 13 December, 2024 will be Ray Hadley’s final day on air. Ray was contracted with the network until the end of 2025. The new host to fill those mighty boots on the 2GB Morning Program, and beyond with the network, will be announced soon.