Veteran late-night radio host Graeme Gilbert dies aged 76 following an ongoing battle with cancer

Retired radio star Graeme Gilbert died aged 76 on Friday following an ongoing battle with acute leukaemia.

The long-time, late-night talkback host was best known as the voice of Talk Tonight on the 2SM Super Radio Network from 2000 until his retirement in 2023. 

He is said to have spent his final months in aged care, with the Super Radio Network releasing a statement about his passing. 

'Graeme was deeply loved by his audience across the Super Radio Network, and that affection was mutual,' the statement read. 

'He genuinely adored his listeners and had a lifelong passion for the radio industry. He truly loved what he did behind the microphone.

'He was heard across every station in the Super Radio Network, bringing his talk program to audiences right across Australia.' 

'Through our Newcastle station, 2HD, Graeme consistently delivered outstanding survey results,' the statement continued.

'A reflection not only of his talent, but of the genuine connection and trust he built with listeners over many years.'

Graeme was broadcast from Sydney across 30 stations throughout regional New South Wales and Queensland for more than 20 years. 

The radio veteran began his broadcasting career at 2HD in Newcastle. 

He then landed prime-time announcing roles in several states, building up a long-lasting and impactful radio career. 

In the '90s, he dabbled in politics when he contested the Tasmanian seat of Franklin for the Liberal Party at the 1993 federal election.

He lost by a 9.86 per cent swing against him.  

Over the years, Graeme also won a B&T Award for Best News Presenter and a Raward - now known as the Australian Commercial Radio Awards - for Best Current Affairs Commentator. 

'I love it – it's never a chore turning up for this job!' he once said of his radio career.

Graeme retired from the airwaves in 2023 after more than two decades working in radio, and had been in aged care since last October. 

Long-time listeners of Graeme's late-night show may remember the 'India' joke which persisted for years on Talk Tonight.

In May 2006, his program received a barrage of calls from listeners who incorrectly said the answer to the trivia question 'Who is the Premier of Tasmania?' was 'India'.

The correct answer was Paul Lennon, however, the joke continued to persist over the years, with callers randomly saying 'India' on air.