What's New
BY RadioToday Network June 5, 2026
What's New December 9, 2024
The man who gave many their start in radio: RIP Chris Lodge
Reporter
He was the man who gave many people their very first radio job in Lismore.
Friends and radio colleagues are today mourning the death of Chris Lodge, long time General Manager of Super Radio Network station 2LM, as well as ZZZ FM.
Chris’s media career spans more than 40 years.
Born in 1946, he started his radio journey at Port Pirie as Manager of 5PI.
In 1986, he moved to Lismore, taking up the role as General Manager for 2LM.
Chris was instrumental in the expansion which saw Lismore get its very first commercial FM station, ZZZ FM.
Chris also led the 2LM Children’s Christmas Appeal and was a big supporter of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.
Over the years Chris gave many people their start in local radio, a number of whom went on to have successful careers, including current 2LM and ZZZ FM Station Manager Callum Jones.
In 2004, Chris was appointed to Commercial Radio Australia’s Board of Directors.
Colleagues remember Chris as a sometimes imposing figure – never shy about saying what he thought.
With Chris, you always knew where you stood!
The three great loves of his life were his daughter Jessica, the Adelaide Crows, and being Manager of 2LM and ZZZ FM.
RIP Chris.
Chris also gave me my first ever commercial gig in radio.
An incredibly imposing man who absolutely always called a spade a spade but there was also a softy hidden under the rough exterior.
When I got my citizenship I was given a little shin dig in his boardroom and presented with a certificate by Chris from the order of the thong. Thank you for giving me my start Chris.
RIP
Vale Chris, thank you for giving me my first news presenter job as a fresh-faced 20 yr-old in 2006, even if that phone interview felt more like you were pitching the station to me!
You never minced your words, you were known for your gruff exterior, but occasionally you gave us a glimpse of your softer side – and opened your office for all-staff lunch complete with access to your coveted drinks fridge.
Some lovely messages here but my experience was far from lovely. The man was a bully from a bygone era. I can’t think of a single nice thing about him.