Legendary Adelaide radio star dies after long health battle following the death of John Laws: ‘Two greats of the airwaves gone’

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Leon Byner, a beloved Australian radio personality, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 77 after fighting acute leukaemia.

The popular radio host enjoyed a remarkable 60-year career at Adelaide’s FIVEAA station.

His death was confirmed on Tuesday by FIVEAA in a social media statement.

Leon Byner, a beloved radio host for many years, has died at the age of 77 after a battle with leukemia. He retired in 2022.

As a teenager, Byner chose a career in radio after unexpectedly meeting John Bell, a famous Australian actor and the founder of the Bell Shakespeare theatre company.

Someone at a local fair told him he had a voice for radio, and that simple comment launched his successful broadcasting career.

Across his long career, Byner at one point worked in every state across Australia. 

He became best known in 1999 when he landed a job as the host of the morning talk show on Adelaide’s FIVEAA radio station.

I remember when he first came to Adelaide back in the mid-60s. He really showed how dedicated he was to radio right away – he took the graveyard shift at 5AD, working from midnight to dawn! It was a tough gig, but he embraced it and proved he was serious about the industry.

Byner also spent time in Sydney, replacing the late John Laws on 2UW in the early ’70s. 

He received valuable advice during this time: to embrace his own personality and not attempt to imitate John Laws. This guidance was instrumental in developing his unique on-air presence.

Throughout his time at the station, he interviewed many famous celebrities, including Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Byner was a frequent guest on Australian television, appearing on popular shows like Sunrise and Today Tonight on Channel Seven.

Heartbroken fans took to social media to pay tribute to Byner.

One person described him as a talented broadcaster who was always a passionate advocate for his beliefs. They said this work defined his life and was his lasting contribution to South Africa.

Someone else mentioned they’d been fans of Leon for a long time, saying they were just discussing him the day before after hearing news about John Laws.

‘Two greats of the airwaves gone but will not be forgotten.’ 

That’s incredibly sad news. He was a beloved radio personality here in South Africa, and so many people enjoyed listening to him. Rest in peace.

Byner received significant recognition for his services to the industry. 

Throughout his career, he received thirteen nominations for the ACRA Award and was also considered for Australian of the Year on three separate occasions.

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2025-11-11 07:50