Radio legend and founder of Super Radio Network Bill Caralis passes away
Australian radio legend Bill Caralis, founder, MD, and chairman of the Super Radio Network, has died, aged 84.
Caralis purchased a radio station in a small regional country NSW town, which he built into a network of 42 stations across two states, including the prize acquisition of 2SM, the country’s first talkback station.
Dianne Coveny-Garland, 2SM news director of 24 years, shared the news of Caralis’ passing on-air with a tribute that highlighted his tenacious climb to success.
“Mr Caralis took over the family business in Marrickville in Sydney as a teenager after his father died. From there, he branched out to running a bottle shop and then moved into the building sector,” Coveny-Garland said.
“He was president of the Newtown Jets from 1979 to 1982. (During which time the Jets competed in their one and only NSWRL premiership grand final).
“In 1987 he purchased his first radio station in Griffith in south-western New South Wales,” Coveny-Garland continued. “That led to a lifelong love of radio.
“Mr Caralis lived for his family and in March this year he and his wife Pam marked 60 years of marriage – their diamond anniversary for which they would have received a card from King Charles III.
“He was largely a private man but cared deeply for those around him. Bill was a very generous man and went out of his way to help others but wanted little fuss made.”
Caralis is survived by his wife Pam and children John, George, and Despina. There is currently no word on the future of the Super Radio Network.
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