Vale John Brennan

Radio legend, John Brennan OAM, affectionately known as Brenno, passed away suddenly at his retirement village home early on Friday night.

 
The much-loved and revered, ground-breaking broadcaster, has been part of the radio and television industry for more than 60 years.
 
He discovered, mentored and shaped the careers of many radio stars including John Laws, Alan Jones, Mike Walsh, Ray Hadley, Ben Fordham and Stan Zemanek at 2SM, 2UE and 2GB.
 
He began his career as a country radio announcer at 2WG Wagga Wagga, where he met the love of his life and future wife, Jenny.
 
He went on to revolutionise radio broadcasting as a Top 40 DJ at 2SM, assembling the Good Guys.
 
He changed Australian radio when he introduced talkback in the 1980s as Program Director on 2UE and then 2GB in the 90s and 2000s.
 
Brenno was awarded an OAM for services to radio in 1989. He won the Advance Australia Award in 1990 for outstanding contribution to radio, won numerous Silver Awards in New York radio, including Best World international Talk Format in 1991. 
 
He was awarded a Citation by the Catholic Church for helping to further Christian ideals in media.
 
Fittingly, he was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2002.
 
Described by one of his huge success stories, Alan Jones as a “visionary and brilliant”, he was known for his love of radio, family and faith and his beloved Balmain Tigers.
 
Brenno is survived by his beloved wife and mainstay of 67 years, Jenny, his son Peter and daughter-in-law, Dearne, son Rick and daughter-in-law, Kim and three grandchildren.
 
He was 89 years of age.
 
He will now be reunited with his much-loved late daughter, Jan-Mary.
 
Funeral arrangements have been delayed by Covid and will be announced after Easter. 

 
 

 


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