A farewell fit for a radio king

With its imposing towers, pinnacles and grandeur, there could be no more fitting place to honour one of the giants of Australian radio.

This afternoon, family, friends, colleagues and dignitaries will fill Sydney’s St Andrew’s Cathedral for the State Funeral of legendary broadcaster John Laws, following his death at the age of 90.

Radio veteran and award-winning journalist Steve Barker will be among those sitting in the pews.

Ahead of today’s service, Barker pays tribute to Lawsie, the man and former radio colleague he remembers as a ‘people person,’ who talked to all members of staff:

“John Laws was a part of my life. And yours. And our parents’. He was here. There. And … everywhere – across this wide brown land. The omnipotent King of Australian radio.”

“Today, as I am privileged to sit in St. Andrews Cathedral Sydney to witness the celebration of his life, an experience that he and I shared 30 years ago comes to mind.”

“I had just finished a midnight to dawn talk shift, on Sydney’s Number 1 station, Radio Active 2UE. Alan had come on for Breakfast. I bolted to the loo.”

“Within seconds, the door flung open and in walked John.”

“Just the two of us, exchanging courteous, eye-level glances.”

That day, Laws was on the front page of the daily newspapers, under the headline Laws’ Salary Doubles.

“I said “Well Lawsie, who’s the talk of the town this morning!?”

He replied with equal confidence and resonance: “Stevie Boy – my salary … ”

“With that he looked straight up, toward the ceiling and said ‘only ever goes …  one … way!’”

“A treasured moment with the man who inspired all of us who chased the radio dream. Farewell Mr John Laws.”

Both Sydney’s 2GB and Channel 7 will provide live coverage of today’s State Funeral.

2GB’s special broadcast – to be hosted by Michael McLaren and John Stanley – begins from 1pm AEDT and will include the full audio of the funeral proceedings from 1.30pm.

2GB will also have a team of reporters on the ground, covering the service and providing commentary.

Michael Usher will lead Seven’s live coverage, which starts at 1pm AEDT in Sydney and Melbourne. The service will also be streamed live nationally on 7plus.

Further details on today’s proceedings and live streaming options are available on the New South Wales government website.

Image: 2GB