What's New
BY Sarah Patterson June 27, 2026
What's New October 8, 2024
End of a monumental radio era: John Laws announces he’s retiring
A monumental radio era is coming to a close, with talkback king John Laws announcing on Sydney’s 2SM this morning that he will retire after nearly 71 years in the industry, with his last day November 8.
After thirteen years behind the mic at 2SM, the 89 year old – long known as the ‘Golden Tonsils’ –today casually broke the news to listeners that he’ll be hanging up the headphones next month.
After reading a letter from a listener who thanked him for the years of entertainment he has provided over the airwaves, Laws told his audience of his plans.
“I think it’s time for a rest, is what I think. I’ve done it for a very, very, very, very long time – 70 years, is it long enough? It’s long enough.”
One of Australia’s most recognisable talkback radio voices, Laws started his career at Bendigo’s 3BO back in 1953, going on to work at Sydney’s 2UE.
After stepping away from radio for four years, he returned in 2011 with The John Laws Morning Show on 2SM, and has been there ever since.
You can listen to his announcement below.
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What's New
BY Sarah Patterson June 26, 2026
… it was inevitable after Bill Caralis died …
The King of radio. Lawsie first, daylight second.
Surely Disrupt or TNT could pick him up for a dime.
Oh wait…
Not to take anything away from John Laws’ lengthy career but presumably from Remembrance Day, the replacement morning program (I’d guess most likely Pete Davis, as he filled in for Lawsie on Mornings during June/July…) will most likely emulate from 2HD Newcastle?
Local content wise, fairly little content seems to emulate out of 2SM’s Pyrmont studios these days! Talkin’ Sport, Hi-Tide, hourly news bulletins and possibly the digital stations will probably be about it once Lawsie signs off?
Breakfast and Nights quietly became a relay of 2HD a couple of years ago while Afternoons, Overnights and much of the Weekend Programming seems to have been on relay from Sandgate for a long time now.
Not to mention that incredibly, SEN seem to allow 2SM to simulcast Sportsday + live sports coverage from 1170!
I cant wait to hear what Norman has to say!
I find 2SM content boring these days the same old same old ring in with the same old same old and some presenters read a headline and say ring in and comment that is it. Very repetitive. Presenters have to know what is going on in the world and read papers books etc. Those who don’t cannot replace Laws.
Yes Norman come out come out where ever you are. Wonder who he will ring up and abuse after Laws retires. Interesting!!