- Bill Caralis died on Friday
- He suffered a heart attack
An Australian radio tycoon has died after suffering a heart attack at the age of 84.
2SM Super Radio Network founder, chairman and managing director Bill Caralis died at his Tweed Heads home in northern NSW on Friday.
Tributes have poured in for the Australian radio legend who is credited for creating a ‘juggernaut’ network.
‘While he was reclusive to outside media interest, he was deeply invested in his stations and his people,’ a tribute piece form Radio Info read.
2SM is the largest privately-owned radio network in NSW with Mr Caralis worth around $200million.
Mr Caralis was known as the ‘recluse of radio’ as he would rarely agree to interviews or photographs.
2HD presenter Dave Cochrane observed a minute silence following news of his death on Monday.
‘There are many people shocked and saddened to hear about Bill’s passing, including myself,’ he said.
An Australian radio tycoon has died after suffering a heart attack at the age of 84 (stock image)
‘We wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for him.’
Social media users shared their condolences for the radio magnate.
‘Bill gave so many of my colleagues an opportunity in radio. Most importantly he treated my mate Grant Goldman – Forever On Air – so well in his final years,’ Walter Williams wrote.
Tony Lawson added: ‘The man created a juggernaught of a network. Amazing accomplishments. Sad to hear he’s left.’
Mr Caralis was the son of a Greek immigrant whose father moved to Australia following the Second World War.
He was a developer and completed a stint in the liquor trade before moving to Tweed Heads in the early 1980s and buying 2RG Griffith.
He acquired more stations in Dubbo, Parkes, Mudgee, Lismore, Murwillumbah, Taree and Toowoomba to name a few.
He expanded his portfolio in 2000 and bought 2HD and NEWFM Newcastle before building the 2SM headquarters in Pyrmont, Sydney, in 2011.
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