- Bill Caralis died on Friday
- He suffered a heart attack.
An Australian radio mogul has died after suffering a heart attack at the age of 84.
2SM Super Radio Network founder, president and CEO Bill Caralis died at his home in Tweed Heads, northern New South Wales, on Friday.
Tributes have poured in for the Australian radio legend credited with creating a “giant” network.
“Although he was a man who kept to himself outside the media, he was deeply committed to his stations and his people,” read a tribute article in Radio Info.
2SM is the largest private radio network in New South Wales and Caralis is worth around $200 million.
Mr. Caralis was known as the “radio recluse” because he rarely agreed to interviews.
2HD presenter Dave Cochrane observed a minute’s silence following news of her death on Monday.
“There are many people shocked and saddened to hear of Bill’s passing, including myself,” he said.
An Australian radio mogul has died after suffering a heart attack at the age of 84 (file image)
“We wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for him.”
Social media users shared their condolences for the radio magnate.
“Bill gave many of my colleagues the opportunity to work in radio. Most importantly, he treated my friend Grant Goldman of Forever On Air very well in his later years,” wrote Walter Williams.
Tony Lawson added: “The man created a gigantic network. Amazing achievements. Sad to hear he’s gone.”
Mr Caralis was the son of a Greek immigrant whose father moved to Australia after World War II.
He was a developer and completed a stint in the liquor trade before moving to Tweed Heads in the early 1980s and purchasing 2RG Griffith.
It acquired further stations in Dubbo, Parkes, Mudgee, Lismore, Murwillumbah, Taree and Toowoomba to name a few.
It expanded its portfolio in 2000, purchasing 2HD and NEWFM Newcastle before building 2SM’s headquarters in Pyrmont, Sydney, in 2011.
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