Veteran radio host James Valentine dies at 64 after cancer battle

Veteran Australian broadcaster and talkback radio host James Valentine has died at the age of 64 after a two-year battle with oesophageal cancer, marking the end of a long career that made him one of the most recognisable voices on Sydney radio and a respected figure in Australia’s media and music industry.

James Valentine, best known for hosting the Australian Broadcasting Corporation afternoon radio programme in Sydney for more than 20 years, died peacefully at home surrounded by his family after stepping away from broadcasting earlier this year following treatment after his 2024 cancer diagnosis.

He became widely known through his long-running role on the afternoon programme of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, where his relaxed presenting style, humour and conversational tone helped him build a strong bond with listeners over many years. Outside radio, he also had a parallel career in music as a saxophonist.

In a statement, his family said he faced his illness with dignity and in a way that reflected his personality, noting that he chose to spend his final moments on his own terms. They said:
"Throughout his illness, James did it his way, which lasted all the way until the end when he made the choice to do Voluntary Assisted Dying," the statement said.

They added:
"Both he and his family are grateful he was given the option to go out on his own terms. He was calm, dignified as always and somehow still making us laugh."

Valentine had taken a break from radio after his diagnosis in 2024, briefly returned to the airwaves last year, and officially retired in February.

ABC Managing Director Hugh Marks described him as a defining voice in Sydney broadcasting, calling him a "trusted companion... for generations of our Sydney audience" who brought "warmth, wit and humanity to radio".

Tributes have continued to pour in from colleagues and public figures across Australia.

ABC presenter Robbie Buck described him as "joyous, irrepressible and unbelievably sharp", while former colleague Richard Glover said he had "lifted the spirit of the city every day for 25 years".

Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Valentine was "someone who was always worth listening to".

Governor-General Sam Mostyn said Valentine had recently been recommended for a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his contribution to broadcasting, music and the arts. She said:
"His ideas were, as they were on radio, just lovely, gentle, sensible, really important things about how community comes together and how we all have a role to play," Mostyn told ABC radio.

The honour had already been presented to his wife and children last Saturday.

Outside broadcasting, Valentine was also a talented musician and played saxophone in several bands, including The Models, which achieved two number-one hits and toured in the United States and Europe.

He is survived by his wife and two children.