Sydney, Australia - Renowned Australian radio magnate Bill Caralis has died at the age of 84. The founder and chairman of the Super Radio Network suffered a heart attack at his home in Tweed Heads on Friday.
Known for his reclusive nature, Caralis was a pivotal figure in the Australian radio industry. His 2SM Super Radio Network is the largest privately owned radio network in New South Wales. Despite his low public profile, Caralis was deeply involved in his stations and staff.
Social media users shared their condolences for the radio magnate, who was known for getting around his radio station in his tracksuit.
'Bill gave so many of my colleagues an opportunity in radio. Most importantly he treated my mate Grant Goldman – Forever On Air – so well in his final years,' Walter Williams wrote.
Tony Lawson added: 'The man created a juggernaut of a network. Amazing accomplishments. Sad to hear he's left.'
Mr Caralis was the son of a Greek immigrant whose father moved to Australia following the Second World War.
He was a developer and completed a stint in the liquor trade before moving to Tweed Heads in the early 1980s and buying 2RG Griffith.
He acquired more stations in Dubbo, Parkes, Mudgee, Lismore, Murwillumbah, Taree and Toowoomba to name a few.
He expanded his portfolio in 2000 and bought 2HD and NEWFM Newcastle before building the 2SM headquarters in Pyrmont, Sydney, in 2011.
Tributes have poured in from across the industry, acknowledging Caralis’ significant contribution to Australian radio.