Radio icon James Valentine dies aged 64

Radio presenter and musician James Valentine has died aged 64 after a battle with cancer.

ABC chief executive Hugh Marks said in a statement Valentine had been "part of the rhythm of everyday life for generations of our Sydney audience".

Valentine presented the Afternoons program on 702 ABC Radio Sydney for more than 20 years.

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He is survived by his wife Joanne and his children Ruby and Roy.

"James passed peacefully at home surrounded by his family, who adored him," his family said in a statement.

"Throughout his illness, James did it his way, which lasted all the way until the end when he made the choice to do Voluntary Assisted Dying."

"Both he and his family are grateful he was given the option to go out on his own terms. He was calm, dignified as always and somehow still making us laugh."

In 2024, James announced he would be taking time away from his program to receive treatment for oesophageal cancer and in February 2026 announced his retirement to focus on his health and his family.

"James brought warmth, wit, and humanity to radio as an exemplar of radio craft," Marks said.

"His style was never about confrontation or noise - it was always about connection."

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Valentine's death followed a two-year bout with oesophageal cancer. He revealed his diagnosis in 2024, and announced his retirement in February this year.

"I can't think of anybody else who really lifted the mood of a city over such a long time as James did," his friend and colleague Richard Glover said in the ABC's statement.

"It was a daily effort to get people to concentrate on life, ordinary life, and how important and beautiful it is, and he did that every day for 25 years.

"So you end up sitting, listening to radio, thinking, 'Gee, Sydneysiders are funny and lively and witty and gorgeous'.

"He brought that out in people."

Valentine embarked on a media career in the 1980s, presenting afternoon cartoons on the ABC.

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He worked on multiple TV and radio shows before he began hosting Afternoons in 1999.

Valentine was also a familiar face on Australian TV as a reviewer, reporter, and commentator on multiple shows.

He was also a talented musician and saxophonist, playing with luminaries such as Jo Camilleri, Kate Ceberano, Wendy Matthews, and The Models.

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