Ray Hadley retires after 43-year radio career
Ray Hadley has retired from a legendary four-decade radio career that started in 1981, when he impressed a 2UE news director he picked up while working as a cab driver.
Hadley made the announcement on Thursday morning on his program, saying, “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!”
The Ray Hadley Morning Show has won its time slot in Sydney since 2003, amassing an amazing 160 consecutive ratings wins.
The program is networked across over 30 stations nationwide, including 4BC Brisbane, 2CC Canberra, and regional networked stations across NSW, QLD, and VIC.
Hadley started in radio in 1981 as a traffic reporter when he managed to impress 2UE Radio News Director, Mark Collier, after picking him up in a cab. By 1982, Hadley was calling Rugby League matches and various racing meets, and by 1983, he joined the station full time.
As a founding member of The Continuous Call Team in 1987, Ray has called 99 State of Origin games, 35 Rugby League Grand Finals, and thousands of club games, commentating at three Rugby World Cups, and seven Olympic Games, including this year in Paris.
Hadley moved to 2GB in 2001, initially to call sports – but it wasn’t long before he took over Mornings, where he began his record-breaking streak of top-rating books.
Hadley added: “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.”
Hadley’s final day on air will be Friday, December 13.
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Nathan Jolly is the Features Editor at Mumbrella. He joined the team in July, 2023.
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One of the most talented broadcasters in the history of Australia and also one of the most unpleasant.
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RH no fancy bells and whistles just warm manly Aussie charm.
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No shortage of equally unpleasant radio broadcasters to keep the tradition alive, unfortunately.
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