The Australian broadcasting world is mourning the loss of one of its most iconic figures, John Laws, who has died at the age of 90. Known to his legion of fans as the man with the 'Golden Tonsils', Laws dominated the airwaves for more than six decades, becoming one of the highest-paid radio broadcasters in the world at his peak.
The Voice That Captivated a Nation
Laws began his remarkable career as an 18-year-old in regional Victoria at 3BO Bendigo in 1953. His rich, melodious voice quickly became his trademark, earning him the affectionate nickname 'Golden Tonsils' from devoted listeners. Everything about his broadcasts seemed touched by gold – from his actual golden microphone and chunky rings to his consistently skyrocketing ratings and the substantial advertising revenue he generated.
His morning show became an institution, beginning each broadcast with his signature rumble of 'Hello world, I'm John Laws'. The programme mixed pop politics with listener call-ins and effusive advertorials, creating a unique format that resonated deeply with ordinary Australians. His voice became so recognisable that it also featured in television advertisements for products ranging from engine oil to Holden cars.
Controversy and the Cash-for-Comment Scandal
Laws' path to broadcasting supremacy wasn't without significant controversy. In 1999, he found himself at the centre of the 'cash-for-comment' scandal alongside fellow 2UE broadcaster Alan Jones. Both were accused of accepting payments from companies in exchange for favourable on-air commentary, though Laws consistently denied any wrongdoing.
Speaking about the controversy at the time, Laws remarked: 'Nobody has suggested I have broken any law. But you would think from the controversy that it was first-class industrial espionage or industrial rape.' He later told the ABC's 7.30 programme that he was merely being 'excessively loyal to my sponsors', something he said he was 'rather proud of'.
His career faced other challenges too. In 2000, he received a suspended jail sentence for contempt of court after interviewing a juror. Subsequent years saw his show breach rules around decency and the treatment of suicide, while more recent broadcasts attracted criticism for his handling of sensitive topics including childhood sexual assault.
A Complex Legacy and Personal Life
Born Richard John Sinclair Laws on 8 August 1935 in Wau, New Guinea, he moved to Sydney during the Second World War. He attended Mosman Preparatory School and Knox Grammar School, surviving two bouts of polio and later admitting to struggles with depression throughout his life.
His personal life took a romantic turn when he reunited with Caroline Cameron Waller, whom he'd first met at a dance when they were teenagers. They rediscovered each other two decades later in the Tunnel of Love at Sydney's Luna Park and married in 1976, blending their families to parent nine children. Laws described Caroline as 'his princess', and her death in 2020 left him devastated.
Beyond radio, Laws enjoyed a diverse career that included appearing alongside Mick Jagger in the 1970 film Ned Kelly, publishing poetry collections, writing country and western songs, and authoring several books including a barbecue cookbook. He was an avid art collector and at one point owned 38 vehicles.
His professional achievements were formally recognised when he was inducted into the Australian Radio Hall of Fame in 2003, receiving his award from astronaut Buzz Aldrin, and later receiving an Aria lifetime achievement award in 2008.
John Laws worked most frequently at 2UE, followed by 2GB, with a decade at 2UW. After his first retirement announcement on 25 June 2007, he returned to broadcasting in 2011 with 2SM. He is survived by his extensive family, leaving behind a complex legacy as one of Australian broadcasting's most influential and controversial figures.
