Sydney radio personality Brian Wilshire, known for his decades-long tenure at 2GB, has died at the age of 81.
Born on March 30, 1944, in Strathfield, a suburb of Sydney, Wilshire launched his broadcasting career in November 1969 at the regional station 2NZ in Inverell before relocating to Sydney and becoming a prominent voice on 2GB.
A Late-Night Radio Staple for Over Three Decades
For many years, Wilshire hosted the “Australia Overnight” program on 2GB, broadcasting from midnight to 3:30 a.m. He consistently topped the ratings charts, maintaining a dominant position for a remarkable 36-year period.
What made Brian Wilshire so popular with late-night listeners? His consistent ratings dominance over 36 years suggests a strong connection with his audience, providing companionship and information during overnight hours.
However, Wilshire’s career wasn’t without its share of controversy. In 2005, following the Cronulla Riots, he publicly apologized for comments he made regarding Lebanese Australians.
Wilshire had stated, “Many of them have parents who are first cousins whose parents were first cousins,” adding, “The result of this is inbreeding – the result of which is uneducationable people … and very low IQ.”
The remarks drew widespread condemnation, including from then-New South Wales Premier Morris Iemma. Wilshire subsequently issued a public apology, stating, “I understand that those comments may have caused offence to some members of the Lebanese community and I unreservedly retract those comments and I apologise for any offence that might have been caused.”
Brian Wilshire during his time at 2GB.
Jason Morrison, a colleague and friend of Wilshire, shared his tribute on social media. He described Wilshire as “a lovely man and one of the gentlemen of the radio business.”
Morrison continued, “He was a major figure of night-time radio on 2GB for 36 years. He dominated 2GB’s ratings holding sometimes 30 per cent plus of audience – even when the rest of us on 2GB were tanking.” He added, “Brian probably never got the recognition he deserved – but no-one has held the air on the station for as many years as he did.”
- Brian Wilshire, a long-time 2GB radio presenter, died January 13, 2026, at the age of 81.
- He hosted the “Australia Overnight” program for many years, consistently achieving high ratings.
- Wilshire faced controversy in 2005 for comments made about Lebanese Australians following the Cronulla Riots, for which he later apologized.
- Colleagues remember him as a dedicated professional and a significant figure in Sydney radio.
