The radio industry is in mourning, following the death of Kevin Blyton, founder of the Capital Radio Network.
Blyton passed away on Sunday, 19 October, at Cooma Hospital following a cardiac arrest.
Blyton’s passion for broadcasting began early. At just 19, he purchased his first station, 2XL, in 1978, laying the foundations for what would become one of Australia’s most significant independent radio networks.
Over the decades, the Capital Radio Network grew to include XLFM and SNOW FM in the Snowy Mountains, 3GG in Gippsland, 2CA and 2CC in Canberra, GNFM and EAGLE FM in Goulburn, and 6iX in Perth, alongside a suite of digital stations such as 60s Music and 70s Music.
Blyton’s long-time friend, former Austereo CEO, and Managing Director of March Media Brad March told Mediaweek he will be “greatly missed”.
“He was a great friend, mentor and confidante. He was always the smartest person in the room and he had a wicked sense of humour. Kevin was the most resilient person I’ve ever known, widely respected, strong, always the hardest worker and was a major influence. He always had my back. We shared many great times,” March said.
A broadcaster, entrepreneur and advocate
Blyton’s contributions extended far beyond the studio. He was inducted into the Commercial Radio Hall of Fame in 2013, recognised for his lifetime of work and advocacy for regional broadcasters.
Having served on the Commercial Radio Australia (CRA) board for 14 years, he was regarded as a steady voice for the needs of local media businesses.
Outside broadcasting, Blyton was equally entrepreneurial.
He expanded the Blyton Group into tourism and hospitality, acquiring the Charlotte Pass and Selwyn Snow Resorts, the Kosciusko Chalet Hotel, and the Snowy Mountains Airport in Cooma.
His ventures also included local cinemas and transport services, reinforcing his deep connection to the region he called home.