Australian and New Zealand radio, television and digital leader Kim Blair has died. He was diagnosed with an aggressive colon cancer just five months ago. Kim was business director for TVNZ, also working for nearly a decade in senior leadership roles for MediaWorks radio stations and networks.
In Australia, Kim started in radio in WA as an announcer and copywriter for 6AM Radiowest. He spent seven years with RG Capital Radio before joining SCA and working in Sydney, Brisbane, Newcastle and Gosford, spending his last four years before the move to NZ working as ACD and an announcer with Triple M Brisbane. He won an ACRA while at KO FM / NXFM Newcastle in his role as Program Director.
Rod Maldon shared:
“Both being from WA and having similar starts with Radio West, a love of music and the absurd – it was an immediate bond and I was so lucky to see his advancements and success. Best of all I got to experience that legendary sense of humour.
Humble, funny, extroadinarily talented and so very missed.”
SCA and Triple M colleague Andrew Very added:
“Kim was one of the funniest, dry-witted blokes you could ever meet — the kind of person who could fill a room with laughter using just a few perfectly timed words.
His mellifluous voice seemed made for radio, instantly recognisable and warm, and he brought that same presence and authenticity to every role he took on.
Kim’s love for the industry was unwavering. From his early beginnings in regional WA to his time on-air in capital city markets, and later as a content director and general manager, he gave everything to the craft he adored. Even in his final days, that passion never dimmed — he was still showing a keen interest in the media landscape, hoping to be back amongst it soon.
Kim will be remembered not just for his talent, but for his humour, his kindness, and the way he made everyone around him feel. He was a loving family man and his world ultimately revolved around his beautiful wife and young son.”
And Drew Chapman:
“I was lucky to work with Kim 3 times in my career (The late 90’s at Mix FM, Sunshine Coast, then at both Triple M Brisbane and Sydney over many years)
In Brisbane he became affectionately known as Bang Bang (or Bangers for short) Nobody knows why, but the name certainly stuck!
He was one of those mates who made you feel amazing just by being in his company. He deeply cared about everyone in his life, and had the most wicked sense of humour both on and off the air that will never be forgotten.
Away from radio he’s like the big brother I never had, there’s nothing we didn’t share with each other, he was always happy to offer guidance, and he made an incredible impact on my life and MANY others. The world has lost one of the most incredible humans this week.”
Kim is survived by his wife Mary, young son Tom, Mum Jackie and brother Mark. A memorial will be held at a later date. Image from Linkedin.