Another page of Australian broadcasting history has unfolded with the official launch of John Laws 50 years in broadcasting.

To celebrate the beginning of his 50th year, John Laws was presented with a one off custom built Neumann Golden microphone by friend and former TV Newsreader – Brian Henderson.

Long time friends Col Joye (pictured right) and John Williamson appeared live in the show, with Williamson performing a special song dedicated to Laws.

Henderson interrupted Lawsie’s program opening on Friday in a surprise visit to his studio to present the Golden microphone live on air in front of Lawsie’s huge Australia wide radio audience.

Handing over the microphone, Brian Henderson said: “Your career has been nothing short of extraordinary, 50 years in the business. I can think of no one else who has done that – For the standard set in presentation, excellence of broadcasting, no doubt at the very top of the profession.”

Accepting the golden microphone Lawsie told Henderson: “I intend to use it as long as I used the other one, providing of course we keep the dream alive.”

“Thank you and thank you to all the people who have listened all those years. I’ve had a terrific time, it’s been good fun and I intend to continue having fun so long as you want me to.”

NSW Premier Bob Carr and Queensland Premier Peter Beattie also phoned in during the program to congratulate Laws.

There are major plans for the celebrations to continue later in the year coinciding with the official anniversary date of Laws’ 50 years of broadcasting.