John "Lawsie" Laws, a prominent figure in Australian talkback radio, has died at the age of 90. Known for his influential career that spanned over seven decades, Laws was a member of the Australian Media Hall of Fame and drew an audience of two million listeners to his morning show at the peak of his popularity.

Laws passed away one year after retiring from broadcasting. His death prompted an outpouring of tributes on social media from former colleagues and friends. Kyle Sandilands, a fellow radio personality, expressed his sorrow, stating, "John Laws was one of the true originals. You could never mistake him for anyone else. He said what he thought, didn't care who he offended, but could also show deep compassion when required. I'm devastated to have lost a mentor and a mate. Radio won't be the same without him."

Born on August 8, 1935, in New Guinea, Laws moved to Australia with his family during his childhood. He began his radio career in Bendigo in 1953. Over the years, he worked at several major Sydney stations, including 2UE, 2GB, 2UW, and 2SM, and had brief stints with Network Ten and Foxtel. Laws was known for his distinctive voice and his ability to blend entertainment, information, and opinion, making him one of the most recognized voices in Australia.

His programs were widely broadcast across the country, earning him a particularly loyal following in rural New South Wales. At one point in his career, he was considered the highest-paid radio broadcaster in the world, receiving a golden microphone from 2UE management as a symbol of his success.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paid tribute to Laws, calling him an iconic voice. "Generations of Australians trusted and respected him for telling it straight, digging deep and giving his guests and his listeners a chance to be heard," Albanese said. He added that Laws was always a "thoroughly prepared and thoughtful interviewer - and wonderful company off-air. My condolences to his loved ones and to all who benefited from his wisdom and guidance."