Radio icon James Valentine dies aged 64

Radio host and musician James Valentine has died at the age of 64 after a battle with cancer.

ABC chief executive Hugh Marks said in a statement that Valentine had “been part of the rhythm of our Sydney audience’s daily lives for generations”.

Valentine has presented the afternoon program on 702 ABC Radio Sydney for more than 20 years

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

“James brought warmth, humor and humanity to radio as an example of radio craft,” Marks said.

“His style was never about confrontation or noise; it was always about connection.”

Valentine’s death followed a two-year battle with esophageal cancer. He announced his diagnosis in 2024 and announced his retirement in February this year.

“I can’t think of anyone else who has truly improved the spirit of a city for as long as James has,” his friend and colleague Richard Glover said in the ABC statement.

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

“So you end up listening to the radio and thinking, ‘Gosh, Sydneysiders are funny and lively and witty and wonderful.’

“He brought that out in people.”

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

He worked on several TV and radio shows before starting hosting Afternoons in 1999.

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

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

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