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Cancer Forces Beloved Broadcaster James Valentine to Retire
2 Feb
Summary
- James Valentine retires from ABC after nearly 40 years of service.
- He hosted Sydney's Afternoons program for 25 consecutive years.
- Valentine revealed he has oesophageal cancer in 2024.
After nearly four decades with the ABC, broadcaster and saxophonist James Valentine has announced his retirement. Valentine, a familiar voice to many, is stepping away due to his ongoing battle with cancer. He spent 25 years hosting the popular Afternoons program on ABC Radio Sydney, becoming a cherished fixture.
Valentine first revealed his diagnosis of oesophageal cancer in 2024, undergoing surgery and treatment. Although he returned to the airwaves after his initial recovery, he had to step away again in June of the previous year when new tumors were detected. This led to his difficult decision to retire permanently.
He expressed sadness about leaving but emphasized the need to prioritize his health and spend time with loved ones. Valentine aims to focus entirely on recovery, acknowledging that a return to broadcasting might still be many months or even a year away. His longtime producer is preparing a special retrospective of his 25-year tenure on Afternoons.
