Retired radio personality Malcolm T Elliot has died in Lismore at the age of 73. 

Elliot’s career spanned 40 years with stints at 2GB, 2UE and 2UW and he has been credited for bringing a “fun and edgy” style to breakfast radio. He also worked in television.

In 1974, he famously faked a 24-hour studio “lock in” after telling listeners he was to be replaced. 

He was mired in controversy in 2005 when he racially vilified the Indonesian judges on the Schapelle Corby case.

Elliot, who lived in Goonellabah, had been suffering ill health in recent years. 

According to 2GB, Alan Jones said Elliot’s passing was “a sad note in the world of broadcasting”.

“He had an impact on a lot of people and made a very significant contribution.”

Former colleague Ray Hadley praised Elliot.

“I know in latter years his contribution was mired in controversy, but he revolutionised breakfast radio in Australia back in the 1970s.

“He turned breakfast radio into a formula of fun and satire, aided by the late Tony Dickinson and Peter Shanahan.

“The three of them made radio madcap, cutting edge and fun to listen to.

“He was zany, he was crazy but it was successful.”