Clive Robertson, the veteran broadcaster who, by delivering news with his inimitable dry wit and comedic touches, became a major drawcard for radio and TV networks, has died following a battle with cancer. He was 78.
Born in Katoomba, New South Wales, Robertson began his career with the ABC in 1967 before leading Sydney’s Breakfast program in 1972, on what was then known as 2BL.
Following stints hosting the “Beauty and the Beast” television talk show on Network Ten, Robertson joined the free-to-air Seven network as a newsreader. Through his years at the mic, Robertson would hone a national reputation as a one-of-a-kind, a newsman who could turn an otherwise ordinary late-night news desk into must-watch TV.
The late media legend had flair for handling nuisance callers on talkback radio, could pause for effect like few in the industry, and would habitually go off-script.
In 2006, he would host an ABC television program Agony Aunts, which offered relationship advice to couples.
As news spread Thursday of his death, industry friends paid their respects. Australia radio broadcaster Margaret Throsby described Robertson as “brilliant broadcaster.” Throsby continued, “Very very sad to learn of the death of my old partner in crime Clive Robertson,” Throsby wrote. “Eccentric, one-off, brilliant broadcaster, tease, unreconstructed, his Breakfast show on 702 Sydney was essential listening. RIP.”
Very very sad to learn of the death of my old partner in crime Clive Robertson. Eccentric, one-off, brilliant broadcaster, tease, unreconstructed, his Breakfast show on 702 Sydney was essential listening. RIP.
— Margaret Throsby (@margaretthrosby) December 12, 2024
Speaking on ABC Radio Sydney, Throsby noted: “He’d drive you mad if you took it seriously. But that was who he was. He was a one-off.”
His program, she explained, “had a cult following — he really was incredibly, incredibly popular.”
Philip Adams weighed in on X. “Vale Clive,” the experienced journalist wrote. “Mr Roberson was a totally original broadcaster. An anti-shock jock.”
Vale Clive. Mr Roberson was a totally original broadcaster. An anti-shock jock.
— Phillip Adams (@PhillipAdams_1) December 12, 2024
Derryn Hinch, the crusading media personality and former senator remembered Robertson as “unique talent on radio and television. Quirky, ubiquitous.”
Vale Clive Robertson. A unique talent on radio and television. Quirky, ubiquitous.
— Derryn Hinch (@HumanHeadline) December 12, 2024
Robertson was married for some years to another Seven star of the time, Penny Cook from the drama “A Country Practice.”