UPDATE. Sad to report that retired radio announcer Pete ‘Disko’ Diskon has passed away (February 24). He had a lot of heart issues and his wife Shirley rang on Monday February 24 to say that he was in palliative care. Thanks to our readers for your thoughts and memories. Shirley was able to share these comments with Peter on Monday before he died.
Below are some details on his radio career from an interview in Jocks’ Journal.
Radio training and first on air job
– Trained at 3XY in Melbourne. First fulltime job was at 2XL Cooma in 1977.
Ex-stations/non-media jobs
– 2WG, 2CA, 2ST, 2DU, 2MG and the former Tasmanian Broadcasting Network. (* Also 2EC and EAR FM)
Radio inspirations from your youth
– The late Ward Austin and the 2UW line up from the ’70s were great as were the line up from 3XY in their hey-days.
Recall an embarrassing radio moment
– Arriving at the 2ST studios in a police car at 5.15am and late for the brekky show – then trying to explain that my car had broken down on the Shoalhaven Bridge and how the local police very kindly gave me a lift to work. (That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.)
What was the first record that you bought
– Don’t Shoot Me I’m Only The Piano Player (Elton John)
A favourite concert and film
– Cold Chisel at the Tathra Pub. Film: The Hunt For Red October or any John Wayne western.
Passions outside of radio
– My large family and the mighty Richmond Tigers!
Date and place of birth
– Born in Sydney, February 2, 1951 – but you are only as young as the one you are feeling.
First met Disko at 7AD in Devonport in 1996 where he was Program and Music Director. Several years later he was running the Community Youth Station CHY-FM. I joined him for about 15 months in Coffs to give him a hand, before I moved down to Port Macquarie to work at 2MC-FM. He was old school but wasn’t afraid to try new things and give others the opportunity to be themselves and find their own way. As a mentor he would gently guide you through, rather than jump up and down when someone messed up. He understood all sides of the radio business and maintained a fair and balanced attitude and opinion on all the usual shenanigans that occur between on-air talent, sales and management. He was the voice of reason.
Hi Shirley,
Please pass on my love to Disko and thank him for his kindness and friendship. He was working at 2NZ in Inverell when I got my first commercial radio job at Gem Fm and took me under his wing. Got me involved in the Inverell Saints Football Club with him, made me Spag Bol Tuesday Night dinners, friday night drinks at the RSM, listened to my airchecks, made me laugh and was always there for me when I needed a friend.
We went on a few road trips out to Collarenebri and Walgett as well to help first nations community start their own radio station. And I still laugh about the road trip we took to Dalby to visit a mutual ex-colleague Jo, where we had so many cocktails, I climbed into one of her cupboards and fell asleep lol.
Disko is a beautiful human. We lost touch over the years, but I will always treasure his warmth and kindness. His impact on the people he worked with, his listeners, and his communities is immeasurable. Please let him know that he mattered, and continues to matter to all of us whose lives he has been a part of.
All my love.
Louise
So sorry to hear of Disko’s condition. I didn’t realise that he had reached such a stage as the last email I saw from him stated his desire to possibly return to radio.
I knew Disko from his time with Braidwood FM 88.9. We only met a few times in person as I lived at Macksville and then Junee, but we kept in touch by email and phone, as we worked together with sponsors and creating sponsor announcements.
I hope Disko is being cared for well and is not in pain.
I will always remember him as a bit of a larrikin and always willing to offer help to anyone.
Shirley, I hope you are coping ok and have people around you who are looking after you during this time.
My sincere best wishes to you both, Disko and Shirley.
Rob Davidson
Braidwood FM 88.9
Hi I remember listen to Peter on radio 4bc . I loved he show a lot.
The love I have for this man, Disko taught me everything I know.
Praying for a miracle.
My thoughts are with you Shirley. 💕
Love, energies and thoughts for Pete, Shirley and their family. Have loved reconnecting over the past 15 years or so following Pete being absolutely an awesome professional and inspirational colleague when I started at 2ST as a very naive 16year old. Never made me feel insignificant but a valued member of an amazing work place. Much love Leisa
So sad to hear this news. Steve and I have been friends with Shirl and Pete for a long time now. Prayers for Pete and a big thank you to him for all the help and chats with Steve and I over time. 🙏 healing hugs and strength to Shirl. ❤️
Condolences to Shirl and family. I only had limited contact with Pete over the years, but we always had a laugh.
he was a good, fun but professional broadcaster. I am sad to learn of his passing. The studio will be much quieter without him.
Rest in peace old son,
Ando.
RIP Mate!!! Had some big shoes to fill when I arrived at 2NZ in 99. Thanks for your friendship and passion for the Inverell Saints F.C I’m sure you’ll be barracking for the Tigers in the cheer squad in heaven. Condolences to Shirley and the family
Condolences to Shirley and family; he was a supporter of me pursuing music, to the point that he would play my first band’s EP on 2EAR FM, and kept in touch when he could on whatever I was currently working on. A generous, warm-hearted bloke and a true gentleman.