‘A giant of Australian radio’: Bob Rogers fondly remembered following his passing at 97

The curtains have closed on a remarkable chapter in Australian radio broadcasting following the passing of legendary radio presenter Bob Rogers at the age of 97.

The “true legend” of radio passed away in his Sydney home on Wednesday, May 29.

Born December 3, 1926, Rogers began his successful career in radio as a panel operator for 3XY in Melbourne in 1942. He soon moved to Hobart, where he worked six days a week as a radio announcer, including broadcasting races on Saturdays. He eventually began a Sunday afternoon music program, featuring new records provided by American sailors.

In 1950, Rogers launched a similar music show on Brisbane’s 4BH. By 1957, he became the first DJ in Australia to play Slim Dusty’s Pub With No Beer, propelling it to the top of the charts. He then hosted Australia’s first Top 40 show on 2UE from 1958 to 1962.

In 1962, Rogers joined 2SM, part of the “Good Guys” DJ team, significantly boosting the station’s ratings. In 1964, he represented 2SM on The Beatles’ tour through Europe, Asia, and Australia, conducting memorable radio interviews with the band.

Returning to 2UE, Rogers revamped his morning show, attracting numerous artists for interviews.

A stint at 2GB in 1976 was short-lived after he was dismissed in 1977 following an on-air incident with John Singleton. In 1995, Rogers joined 2CH, where his morning show achieved top ratings in Sydney.

In recognition of his contributions to media, Rogers was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in June 2010.

After suffering a stroke in 2018, Rogers retired from his morning show but continued to present his Reminiscing program on Saturdays until October 2020.

Upon learning of Rogers’ passing, fans and acquaintances alike turned to social media to express their condolences, pay tribute, and share fond memories of their time with the legendary radio host.

An honour to be broadcasting this morning from the same floor where Bob Rogers spent 18 years on 2CH and where he presented his last programs from at age 93. This was his studio. Rip legend pic.twitter.com/0sXVPa0fe0

— Clinton Maynard (@ClintMaynard2GB) May 29, 2024

Australian radio legend Bob Rogers has died at the ripe old age of 97. His illustrious career saw him still broadcasting into his nineties. I admired him enormously. He and John Laws were my radio heroes. Vale Bob Rogers.

— Ian Maurice (@ian_maurice) May 29, 2024

RIP Bob Rogers. A giant of Australian radio. A career that will never be matched. pic.twitter.com/sKM4hcrhwS

— Troy Dodds (@troydodds) May 29, 2024

RIP Bob Rogers OAM.
A true legend of Australian broadcasting and one of the nicest people I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. Bob was an avid tennis fan and we had many long chats about the sport’s greatest players, during my years at 2GB. pic.twitter.com/XxTYvfbV5K

— David Tapp (@DavidTapp2) May 29, 2024

Never had the pleasure of meeting Bob Rogers, but always admired him and the great career he had. An absolute legend from a time when radio was exciting and breaking new ground with its personalities and approach. Bob hung out with The Beatles – how good was that! RIP great man.

— Greg Prichard (@gregprichard) May 29, 2024

Vale the great Bob Rogers. One of radio’s best & a true gentleman. RIP Bob. Thinking of his family and radio family

— Prue MacSween (@macsween_prue) May 29, 2024

I had the great privilege of being the panel operator for radio legend Bob Rogers back in the 90s. Nicest bloke ever, with a never ending list of stories about bands and musicians I’d give my left arm to have seen live, let alone meet. He was the best. Thanks Bob. Rest in peace.

— Troy Harvey (@troy_harvey) May 29, 2024

Rogers is survived by his wife, Jerry, and their four daughters.