Vale Des Foster

Des Foster, the former head of FARB (Federation of Australian Radio Broadcasters), now known as Commercial Radio Australia, has passed away aged 88.

Des died yesterday afternoon.

As President of FARB in the 1960's whilst he was also General Manager of 2GB, Des led the industry through a challenging period where the industry not only weathered the introduction of television, but thrived.

Des was inducted into the Commercial Radio Hall of Fame in 2002, and in 1986 was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia for services to media.

He remained active in radio until his death, only in recent times handing over his role as Director of the Indepedent Regional Radio Association to Roger Summerhill.

Summerhill communicated the news overnight to the members of the association, commenting that he had spoken to Des just days earlier, and whilst he was unwell, he was in good spirits and asked about everyone.