It was about 8:15 am when Mike Carlton first mentioned on-air that something big was about to be announced at noon by John Laws.
At a crowded media conference at 2UE’s studios at 12:30pm today, John Laws said, “The decision was easy. I can’t think of anything I’d rather do. And I love the people. I enjoy the work.”
Hear what John Laws had to say
The agreement, which will see Laws broadcasting from his “Fortress of Arrogance” till 2010, was made yesterday on a handshake with SCBN CEO Tony Bell at Lawsy’s 50th anniversary lunch held at exclusive OTTO’s which is part owned by Laws himself. The contract, which will be signed today, is said to be the biggest one yet for one of the world’s most highly paid radio announcers.
It was also said that the decision was made before a single Wild Turkey had passed his lips.
While the terms of the agreement haven’t been revealed, Laws told reporters: “I didn’t sign for any less… nothing gets cheaper.”
Laws, who said that his “passion hadn’t waned” was certainly in an ebullient mood yesterday. Still at lunch at about 5:40pm, he was handed the phone to speak to Steve Price’s drive audience about his 50 years in the business. The conversation was in a very different vein to the highly publicised stoush between them a couple of months ago regarding the John Singleton/Bob Carr affair. Although it was brought up, it seemed that all was forgiven if not completely forgotten.
What does Laws hope to achieve in the next seven years? “I just want to get better at what I do. And make a contribution.”
Southern Cross Managing Director Tony Bell told radioinfo: “The new agreement shows
John Laws’ faith in the current 2UE line-up and underlines his commitment to the radio station.”
Staff at 2UE were told of the decision just before the official announcement, prompting a standing ovation from those gathered to hear the news.
Laws paid tribute to the strength of Radio 2UE, saying: “it remains the best radio station in the country.”
Read what the Sydney Morning Herald had to say in Paper Clips or follow the link below.