Adelaide Radio Legend Dies After Health Battle Following John Laws’ Passing

Legendary Australian radio presenter Leon Byner died on Tuesday aged 77, following a battle with acute leukaemia.

The veteran talkback presenter had a long and celebrated career in radio which spanned six decades at Adelaide commercial station FIVEAA.

His death was confirmed on Tuesday by FIVEAA in a social media statement.

‘Longtime host Leon Byner has passed away. Leon was 77 and had been battling acute leukemia. He retired from the airwaves in 2022,’ they wrote, adding a broken heart emoji.

Byner decided on a career in radio as a teenager after a chance meeting with Australian acting legend John Bell, founder of the Bell Shakespeare theatre company.

‘You, sir, should be on radio,’ he told the future presenter at a local fete, which paved the way for his long and celebrated career in broadcasting. 

Legendary Australian radio presenter Leon Byner died on Tuesday aged 77, following a battle with acute leukaemia 

Across his long career, Byner at one point worked in every state across Australia. 

But it was in 1999 that he scored the role he was most known for, morning talkback presenter at Adelaide’s FIVEAA AM station.

He first arrived in Adelaide in the mid-’60s and proved his commitment to radio by accepting the midnight-to-dawn shift at 5AD.

Byner also spent time in Sydney, replacing the late John Laws on 2UW in the early ’70s. 

During this period, he was advised: ‘Be Leon, don’t try to be John Laws. Be yourself,’ which helped shape his distinctive presenting style. 

He interviewed some of the world’s most famous stars across his station tenure, including Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Byner also made regular appearances on Aussie TV, featuring on Channel Seven’s Sunrise and Today Tonight. 

Heartbroken fans took to social media to pay tribute to Byner.

The veteran talkback presenter had a long and celebrated career in radio which spanned six decades at Adelaide commercial station FIVEAA 

He interviewed some of the world’s most famous stars across his tenure, including Arnold Schwarzenegger

‘A gifted broadcaster in his earlier days. A man who did not stop crusading. It was his life’s work and contribution to SA,’ one person wrote.

‘We enjoyed listening to Leon for many, many years. We were only just talking about him yesterday after hearing about John Laws,’ a second added. 

‘Two greats of the airwaves gone but will not be forgotten.’ 

‘Such sad news. He was an icon of radio here in SA, we loved listening to him. RIP,’ another chimed in. 

Byner received significant recognition for his services to the industry. 

He was nominated for an ACRA Award 13 times across his long career and was also nominated for Australian of the Year three times.