He’s getting old, he’s had health issues. Who knows the real reason.
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There must be more to this. A move to 2SM?
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I would say that like Laws when he originally left 2UE would have a clause preventing him from joining 2SM until after a period of time.
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Keep on mind he is a Grandfather now
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From Nine:
Ray Hadley announces retirement
Australia’s most celebrated and versatile broadcaster, Ray Hadley OAM, has announced he will step away from the microphone at the end of this year, concluding a remarkable 43-year career in radio that has shaped Australian media and left an indelible legacy across talkback, sport, and music broadcasting.
During today’s show, Hadley shared the news with his loyal listeners, 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!”
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.
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, 13 December, 2024.
A new host for the 2GB Morning Program will be announced in due course.
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Who will lambast drivers of large vehicles who get them stuck on Galston Gorge now?!?
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That was my first thought too, but considering he had a contract until the end of 2026 with Nine, it might have had a retirement clause, but surely would mean he can’t go to a competitor.
For a fraction of the money? No chance.
Another one bites the dust!
If the replacement is going to come from within 2GB, Chris O’Keefe would be most likely. Can’t see them going for mark Levy or Luke Grant. A couple of years ago it appeared it would be either Steve Price or Chris Smith were the heir apparent, but both are no longer there for different reasons.
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Paul Murray come on downnnnnn
Maybe Lawsie surprises us all and comes out of retirement at 2GB. (Sarcasm, if not obvious)
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Ray is still likely to do the Country Music Countdown syndicated program would be my bet.
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It did make me wonder the timing off the back of the internal report….
…seriously…7 have to get over their obsesion with 9 and focus on improving their own product, not to mention the issues inside their own walls…BRS, Mark Llewyn, Robert Ovadia…
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It is well know inside nine radio that despite what Ray says, his ways hadn’t changed that much and much should be read into the fact he is going before his contract in done and in light of the work place culture report.
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An article in The Daily Telegraph tonight throws up the following suggestions for replacements for Ray:
- Ben Fordham (reportedly keen to move to the mornings slot so he can reach a broader audience across several states)
- Mark Levy (similar passion for sport)
- Stephen Cenatiempo (experienced radio host, currently in Canberra)
- Jason Morrison (former 2GB veteran)
- Bringing back Steve Price or Chris Smith
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There most certainly had to be more to this retirement than meets the eye.
Why would Ray wrap it up so suddenly?
I feel it was definitely triggered by Laws’ retirement. Maybe Ray would be worried that he’d suddenly become the Laws of morning radio - and be pushed to retire?
Ever since Jones left 2GB, Ray’s hard-hitting style has been a bit of an outlier on the station. Maybe they’ll use this as an opportunity to go towards a softer Morning show.
Regardless, part of me thinks this isn’t the last we’ll hear from Hadley. Especially with Laws leaving and an entire network of AM stations without a strong Mornings announcer (referring to SRN). If Ray replaced John Laws, he’d immediately gain all of Lawsy’s old listeners… that’s if they stick around for Ray, given the digs John had at him over the years.
Let’s not forget - Ray mightn’t had been happy to lose his 4BC listeners, hence, why my suggestion above mightn’t be wrong.
Would have to be my pick out of this list.
Taking Fordham out of breakfast would be a mistake, Levy is a joke of a broadcaster who needs to hide behind anonymous social media accounts to make his point heard, Cenatiempo has about seven listeners in Canberra, Smith left the station in disgrace, and Price is… not it.
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