Popular broadcaster Pete Jackson passed away suddenly last month in the NSW north coast town of Ballina. Pete had worked for many radio stations including Nova and Triple M, and was freelancing for Prime TV news, Paradise FM and various other newsrooms at the time of his passing. Pete had been suffering from melanoma cancer for a short time, but had not talked about it much, so his death was a shock to listeners and his many radio colleagues.
Pete Jackson began his radio career at Macquarie University where he was one of the first batch of young broadcasters on air at 2SER FM. After graduation he joined 2GF Grafton as an announcer and began his love affair with the sun, the beach and the north coast. As well as announcing, Pete was heavily involved with local theatre and community events during his time in Grafton.
Deciding that music radio presenting was not meaty enough for him, Pete pursued journalism and worked in news for many stations in Newcastle and Sydney. He was reluctant to take up full time newsroom work in recent years, although he had many offers, because he wanted enough time to enjoy the beach and volunteer for charity work with wildlife and environment charities. He also taught radio at AFTRS and at TAFE.
Over the past three years Pete made Ballina his home and was heard daily doing the breakfast show on Paradise FM and reporting news for local and national radio and tv newsrooms. One morning he did not turn up for work and was found critically ill in his flat with brain complications from the cancer.
The station paid tribute to him on air with an audio montage, listen to a segment here.
His warm style on air, and his willingness to do stunts such as skydiving to raise money for the local community station, endeared him to the Ballina community, who were shocked by his untimely death aged just 50.
Steve Ahern paid tribute to Pete: “He was a old mate, we began our radio careers together. Pete was always good for a laugh and a big smile. We called him Peter Pan because he never lost his love of flitting about to jobs that made him happy with people who made him smile. Nice to know that Paradise FM was his last station. I’ll miss him, he’s left us far too soon.”
Worked with "PJ" at 2MC Port Macquarie i am sad and shocked to hear of his passing.Life really is too short, Pete was one of the industries nice guys.
I'm really saddened by this news.
I worked with Pete at TAFE and I'll always remember just how infectious his smile and warmth were.
Sadly missed.
Pete was a warm and dear friend. He was generous and full of laughter and interest in others.
Pete and I met when we were both teaching news media students at Petersham TAFE. He would arrive in the staffroom perspiring, after riding there on his bicycle. He would change shirts and begin photocopying notes and making final preparations for his class. He always greeted me with a warm smile.
We became friends, and when Pete learned about the community radio station I was working at, 2RPH, he offered to help out. He became a regular announcer on the station and was a reliable, dependable volunteer. He was well-liked by the other volunteers on his shift as he guided them with an encouraging and helpful manner.
When I moved to Papua New Guinea, he came to visit me during a holiday break. Ever keen to try new things, he completed a scuba diving course while I was working each day. By the end of his trip, he was a qualified diver. I really enjoyed having him stay in my spare room during those ten days or so as he was a supportive, interested and understanding friend.
Pete was a community-minded volunteer. After he moved to Byron Bay, he volunteered at a local dive shop there. This meant that he helped them out with getting divers geared up and ready, and he also got free dives!
I have had some lovely weekends visiting Pete in Byron Bay. We did bushwalks, went sea kayaking and spent much time at the beach. I will miss his friendship, sunny smile and encouragement very much.
Amanda H A Watson