The Australian broadcasting community is mourning the loss of veteran presenter Leighton Archer, who died at the age of 50 on October 31 following a stroke.
Archer’s celebrated radio career spanned over three decades, and he was one of the first volunteer announcers at Port Stephens FM in Nelson Bay, north of Newcastle, where he made his debut in April 1993.
His death was announced on Thursday by Jocks’ Journal – a radio industry publication – on social media.
‘Sad news regarding the passing of Leighton Archer. He was just 50 years old. For many years he was a PD and announcer with 2CA,’ they began.
‘The funeral service for Leighton will be held on Friday, 14th November at the Northern Suburbs Crematorium, North Chapel.’
Archer went on to host Breakfast on 2CA in Canberra and served as the station’s program director.
The Australian broadcasting community is in mourning following the tragic death of veteran presenter Leighton Archer aged 50 on October 31, following a stroke
He also worked for the Australian Traffic Network and at regional stations including 2MO and Triple G in Gunnedah, as well as 2NUR FM, 2GO/2GGG, and 2HD.
Outside the studio, Leighton was known for living life to the fullest.
In a 2007 interview with Double J, he reflected: ‘I love live concerts, cooking, and playing golf… badly.’
Heartbroken friends and fans took to the comments section to offer their condolences.
‘I worked with Leighton in Gunnedah. Good broadcaster and terrific fella. Feeling very sad reading this,’ one person wrote.
‘My head has been spinning since reading this. Leighton was one of those genuinely nice guys and a pleasure to work with. Sending love to his family and all who knew him,’ a second added.
Archer’s funeral was attended by many of Australia’s most recognisable radio stars, including veteran Sydney presenter Trevor Sinclair.
His many contributions to Australian radio will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.
Archer’s radio career spanned over three decades and he was one of the first volunteer announcers at Port Stephens FM in Nelson Bay, north of Newcastle, where he made his debut broadcast in April 1993
Archer’s passing was announced just days after the deaths of two fellow Australian radio icons, John Laws and Leon Byner.
Radio broadcaster John Laws died on Sunday aged 90, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Hollywood star Russell Crowe leading heartfelt tributes.
Regarded as one of Australia’s most powerful talkback hosts, his career spanned seven decades, during which he became one of the country’s most well-known and highest-paid media personalities.
Just two days after Laws’ passing, Australian radio presenter Leon Byner died on Tuesday aged 77, following a battle with acute leukaemia.
The veteran talkback presenter had a long and celebrated career in radio, which spanned six decades at Adelaide commercial station FIVEAA.
