Talent Watch
BY RadioToday Network November 28, 2023
Talent Watch September 28, 2020
Legendary broadcaster Bob Rogers confirms radio retirement
After almost eight decades on the radio, Bob Rogers is calling it quits.
This year marks his 25th anniversary at Classic Hits 2CH Sydney, the music station where he spent 23 years hosting mornings before he handed the microphone to Tim Webster in 2018.
The announcement follows the revelation that the station’s new owner, Pacific Star Network, plans to permanently move 2CH to DAB+ in favour of installing its SEN sports format.
Rogers’ retirement marks the end of a career that remains unparalleled in the radio history books, a working life that began at 3XY Melbourne as a panel operator in 1942.
In 1995, he accepted an offer from advertising guru John Singleton to join 2CH where he will end his amazing 78-year run during his Reminiscing show on October 3.
Pictured: Bob Rogers at 2SM in the 60s, where he shot straight to #1
“I have absolutely loved my time in this industry,” Rogers said in a statement.
“I have met so many wonderful people and built such a treasured connection with my listeners and team, but at my age, I feel it’s the perfect time to say goodbye and hand over the microphone.
“I wish to thank my devoted and brilliant producer Gary King, my general manager Cherie Romaro and my fellow presenters, Tim Webster, Chris Kearns, and Trevor Sinclair, I will miss radio, my listeners and my work friends, but it is time,” the 93-year-old said.
Between 3XY and 2CH, Rogers relocated to 4BH Brisbane where, in 1957, he was the first person to discover Slim Dusty and play the iconic song ‘Pub With No Beer’.
Between 1958 and 1962 he presented Australia’s first Top 40 show on 2UE, where golden tonsils John Laws was his newsreader, and a feud formed that lasted until 2019.
His final show will include tributes from celebrities, the music industry and fellow broadcasters.
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No doubt Ray Hadley will mention this on his 2GB morning show tomorrow.
Congratulations Bob on a wonderful long career in Radio and all the best in retirement, A true legend in Australian Radio.
Bob,
What can you say, it has been an amazing innings for you, the radio industry and your listeners. Look forward to reading about your 100th birthday celebrations. Peter Menton
Mr Bob Rogers
Throughout the years through all the ups and downs of life,the the good times and bad,and all that’s happened in our lives.You were there to share our lives and always will think of you when the Golden Old sings are playing.The song by Kenny Rogers “Through the years” is one that I relate most to my radio and life journey with you and your team.
Dear “Gentleman” Bob Rogers – I really enjoyed our time working together at 2GB and 2CH. For your council, knowledge and always having time to chat about radio, life and clients. I wish you well in your retirement, knowing radio has said goodbye to a legend and your chapter in the all time radio greats has been confirmed.
Bob
I have absolutely loved your Saturday night show. That music brings back so many happy and sometimes tearful memories to me and I can’t tell you how much I am going to miss it and you It was something to always look forward to Thank you so much for the memories
Dear Bob
I have always loved your shows throughout the years, the amazing music you’ve played, your love of The Beatles (and mine too) and some of your jokes were so bad they made me laugh!! Now I have a bit of a tear writing this.
Thankyou Bob.
Dear Bob,
My husband and I always enjoyed you “Reminiscing” on Saturday nights, as we could listen to songs from our younger years. We really liked Buddy Clark, especially “I still get a Thrill Thinking of you” and yours was the only program where we could occasionally hear him. After tonight that will be no more and you will be sadly missed, Bob.
Best wishes for the future with your lovely wife, Gerry, whom I used to have coffee with at Marxines, when we both attended Macquarie University. Give her my love and best wishes too! I wish you both health and happiness in the future.
Listening in Bob…Thank you for being a part of my 78 years. Loving your choices tonight, so many memories in every piece. God Bless, stay safe and well.
Bob – I can recall listening to you as a high school student in 1956 with Tomorrow’ s Tops on 2UE. Les Brown & his band of Renown with Leap Frog introduced the show. Many thanks for your years of great music.
You’re a true legend Bob Rogers.
I Moved to New York 13 years ago and have always felt emotions of happiness & comfort listening to your show. You transported me back to Oz in an instant.
You’re a good man with great tales to tell. I’ll miss you very much. Enjoy your twilight years and retirement!
Love from Mary Kennedy
xOx