Veteran radio presenter Ray Hadley has announced that he will step down from his 2GB ratings-dominating radio program.
Hadley made the announcement live on air this morning, saying that he had “ achieved far more than I ever thought I would.”
“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!” he said.
The news comes after it was announced in May last year that the radio host had signed a new contract to extend his broadcasting career until the end of 2026. At the time, The Australian reported that the deal is one of the “richest deals in talkback radio history” and could be worth $9m over two-and-a-half years from the beginning of July.
With Hadley’s final day on air scheduled for Friday, 13 December, 2024, he will not see out this contract.
From his beginnings in 1981 as a traffic reporter alongside the iconic Gary O’Callaghan on 2UE, Ray’s journey in radio has been defined by passion, dedication, and an unwavering connection with his audience. By 1982, Hadley was calling Rugby League matches and various racing meets, marking the start of a legendary sports broadcasting career. By 1983, he was a full-time fixture at 2UE, remaining there for 19 years before transitioning to 2GB in 2001, where he continued to break new ground.
On March 4, 2002, The Ray Hadley Morning Show first went to air. Over the next 21 years, Hadley amassed 160 consecutive ratings wins – a record that is unlikely to ever be broken.
Ray’s voice has become synonymous with some of the most memorable moments in Australian sports history. 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. His international accomplishments include commentating at three Rugby World Cups and seven Olympic Games, including this year in Paris. Earlier in 2024, the Sydney Football Stadium honoured Hadley’s contribution to sports with the unveiling of The Ray Hadley Commentary Box.
Hadley remains the most decorated radio host in Australian Commercial Radio Award (ACRA) history, with 35 awards and a 2017 induction into the ACRA Hall of Fame. In 2003, his contributions were further recognised with a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM), celebrating his commitment to rugby league and extensive fundraising efforts for charities.
Beyond sport and talkback, Hadley’s influence has extended into the world of music. The Ray Hadley Country Music Countdown has spotlighted emerging talent in Australian country music, running for an impressive 573 episodes over 16 years. This year, Hadley received the Country Music Capital Award at the Golden Guitar Awards, honouring his steadfast support for the genre.
In an email to staff, seen by B&T, Luke Davies, content manager at Nine said: “Ray’s impact on the Australian country music scene has been significant – providing a platform for countless emerging artists. The Ray Hadley Country Music Countdown has been on air for more than 16 years and 573 episodes”.
“Ray Hadley’s contribution to Australian radio and millions of listeners over the years can be marked by volume, impact and tenure,” he 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 of everything for my success and longevity. I wish all my colleagues continued success,” said Hadley.
“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,” said Nine Radio’s managing director, Tom Malone.
A new host for the 2GB Morning Program will be announced in due course.
