John Brennan, the programming executive who launched the careers of many of Australia's biggest radio stars, has died. He was 89.
Brenno, as he was known, helped pioneer talk back radio in Australia.
Nine Radio managing director Tom Malone called it a sad day for radio in Australia
"Brenno was a legend who through a long career transformed our industry and in particular talk radio, leaving an indelible mark on both 2UE and later 2GB," Malone told staff in an email.
"He understood the power of talk radio and its ability to give ordinary Australians their say, and holding law makers and institutions to account."
He started his radio career not long after the end of World War II as a sports reporter and announcer.
In the 1960s he took a struggling 2SM to the top of the ratings with the Good Guys.
in the 1980s he installed the talent at 2UE who took it to its zenith, and then in the 2000s he would make the move over to 2GB as it too became number one .
Malone: "Brenno had a simple philosophy when it came to what made great talk radio and he was known to say there two basics: to inform and entertain but that hosts should 'entertain informingly, inform entertainingly' and he was right.
"He loved the interaction with callers, and was passionate about news and current affairs keeping copious notes on issues important to every day Australians.
"Better than anyone he understood the companionship talk radio provided – on weekends, overnights, during holiday periods, and big news stories."
In 2014, he launched his autobiography Brenno: The Life and Times of a Media Godfather.
"John Brennan is one of the most respected men in the Australian media and this is his autobiography. A pioneer radio broadcaster in the 1950s, Brenno , as he is affectionately known in media circles, is credited with starting the Top 40 music format, learning from the best in the USA," says the book's description.
"He successfully establishied the talkback format on 2UE, 2SM and 2GB and he produced some of the most iconic sports coverage with Frank Hyde on radio and Ray Warren on television.
"Along the way, he discovered such radio talent as John Laws, Alan Jones, Ray Hadley, Stan Zamanek, Brian Bury and Arch Tamabakis, and as station manager of several radio stations had to juggle the egos and tantrums of high profile radio stars."
Malone at Nine: "His ability to recognise and develop radio talent is unlikely to ever be surpassed. The list of talent he nurtured, grew or gave their first starts includes John Stanley, Ben Fordham, Mike Walsh, Ron Casey, Mike Gibson, Stan Zemanek, Peter Frilingos, Jason Morrison, Prue MacSween, and many many others, including straight from school a young Peter Overton.
"Personally, I remember putting down tapes at 2UE in the '90s, and leaving them at Brenno’s door seeking his approval for 'on air' duties in the newsroom – one of thousands across news and programming who would have done the same thing.
"In his unique style he would give feedback: 'Tommy my boy, I think another week or so, and you’ll just about have it.'
"He was a kind and generous man, with time for everyone, just as comfortable speaking with Prime Ministers as he was with ordinary Australians. He was compassionate, and particularly interested in helping people – from the aged, to the infirmed, and the underprivileged.
"Brenno’s love of radio was immense. While he would technically ‘retire’ in 2007 he remained passionately involved in talk radio, he would still consult for years to come, and he was still known to call hosts to let them know he was listening or to give them feedback on segments."
A father of three, he is survived by his wife Jenny, his son Peter Brennan, who would follow his father and also spend time as program director of 2UE, and son Richard.
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