Tributes are pouring in for radio legend Bill Caralis following his shocking death last week. Friends and admirers are remembering his pioneering spirit in building a media empire from humble beginnings.
Mr Caralis, the founder and chairman of the 2SM Super Radio Network, died of a heart attack on Friday aged 81 after decades building a radio network that included 42 stations in NSW and Queensland.
Toowoomba station 4WK, which is owned by Mr Caralis, paid tribute on Monday to the media giant, who rarely gave interviews.
“Mr. Caralis maintained a close relationship with his employees and was very committed to his stations and the people who worked for him,” the station posted on its social media page.
“His love and passion for radio was inspiring and he will be greatly missed by all of us here at 4WK.”
Radio 2VM wrote: “We have been assured that everything is continuing as normal and all staff are asked to remember him with love. Rest in peace, boss.”
Gavin Flanagan, general manager of Wave FM 96.5, said he found it “difficult” to best describe a “giant” in the industry.
“I've been in radio for nearly 30 years and the vast majority of those years have been working for Bill Caralis,” he wrote on social media.
“I find it difficult to find the right words to describe a giant of our industry who, despite his polarizing personality, has always been very good to me and my family.
“The news of his death this morning made me very sad.
“My deepest condolences go out to Pam, Despina, George, John and their families, as well as the many incredibly loyal former colleagues who stood by him for many years.”
Mr Caralis lived in Tweed Heads on the New South Wales north coast and died in hospital, The Daily Telegraph reports.
According to a post on the website Radioinfo.com.au, his move to radio began in 1982.
“His first purchase was 2RG Griffith, soon followed by stations in Dubbo, Parkes and Mudgee,” the post says.
“Then came Lismore, Murwillumbah, Taree, Toowoomba, Gunnedah, Gympie, Tamworth, Armidale, Moree, Grafton, Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie and Orange.
“In 2000 he bought 2HD and NEWFM Newcastle from the NSW Labor Council and 2SM Sydney from Chris Murphy of INXS.
“A new four-storey facility has been built in Pyrmont to accommodate the 2SM Super Network.”
Legendary broadcaster John Laws joined 2SM in 2011.
Mr. Caralis was the son of a Greek immigrant and lived in modest circumstances.
His father George ran a vegetable shop in Sydney and Mr Caralis delivered fruit and vegetables as a boy and young man.
A 2005 Australian Financial Review profile estimated his net worth at around $200 million.