Leon Byner
| Leon Byner | |
|---|---|
 Byner in October 2010 | |
| Born | 14 October 1946 |
| Residence | Adelaide, Australia |
| Occupation | Talkback radio presenter |
| Employer | 5AA |
Leon Byner (born 14 October 1946) is an Australian broadcaster who started his radio career in 1966 in Shepparton, Victoria, Australia. Byner currently hosts a morning talk show on radio station 5AA FIVEaa in Adelaide.
Career
During his career Byner has worked on radio in every Australian state capital since. Byner switched from music presentation to talk radio in 1996 and has even done a couple of stints on Los Angeles talk stations in California. Byner has also presented segments for Adelaide local television on Australian and international celebrities.
Controversy
On 23 January 2004, the Adelaide Advertiser alleged that Byner was involved in numerous "cash for comment" schemes. The matter was investigated by the Australian Broadcasting Authority, and in the meantime, Byner was suspended. The results of the investigation found 15 breaches of Commercial Radio Broadcasting Standards. It was clear that FIVEaa had attempted to obtain information about any financial arrangements between Byner and third parties, but Byner himself had failed to disclose them. Byner claimed this was due to "stress"
On 25 October 2011 ACMA found that on 1 October 2010 Byner's show had breached the Commercial Radio Codes by presenting a paid advertisement to promote water purifiers as a current affairs item regarding the "dangers" of water fluoridation. FIVEaa were also found to have breached the complaint handling provisions as directed by the code.
Today Byner hosts a morning radio show in Adelaide where he is often absent for extended periods due to ill health
External links
- Leon Byner Show on FIVEaa's website
- Media Watch Report on Byner's cash for comment
- ACMA Findings 2004 2011