Beloved and respected media personality Alison ‘Ali’ Drower dies from cancer
Popular news presenter and media figure Alison Drower has died following a battle with cancer.
Drower, whose career spanned decades across both radio and television, died on Sunday, surrounded by loved ones at Canberra Hospital.
“Ali Drower was a giant of the Australian news industry,” said Australian Radio Network’s (ARN) head of news and information, Fiona Ellis-Jones, reported Media Week.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“She had a rare mix of curiosity, strategic insight and sharp intellect that made her one of the most remarkable minds in news.
“Ali could look at any challenge and instantly see the opportunities.
“Her legacy lives on in the hundreds of journalists she mentored and the leaders she inspired.
“More than anything else, Ali was a mum and a wife.”
The industry trailblazer read news with Doug Mulray at Triple M Sydney and was the face of MTV Australia, where she interviewed stars alongside Richard Wilkins.
She went on to become a regional news director with Southern Cross Austereo, and recently worked with ARN where she championed upcoming talent.
She is the mother of Supercars racer Zach Bates and wife of former Australian rally driver Rick Bates.
Motorsport fans will remember Drower for her prominent role in Channel 10’s coverage of the V8 Supercars and on RPM.
Australian motor racing presenter Greg Rust said Drower was “among the pioneers for women in motorsport in Australia”.
“As a lead and features reporter for RPM, she brought a balance that was needed beyond the hardcore love the rest of us had,” Rust said.
“Ali injected laughs and a sense of fun that helped unmask the competitors and see more of their wonderful personalities.
“She once blindsided Neil Crompton with a cheeky line about a map of Tassie as they covered the Targa Tasmania Rally.
“Crompo is such a pro I’ve only heard him laugh that loudly (on air) a couple of times in my career. She got him that day.
“Ali had a longstanding career in the media (a business that can be a brutal roller coaster ride) because of her talent and commitment.
“She should still be here with that infectious smile and a vibrancy that the rest of us were fortunate enough to drink in.
“Go well at Bathurst, Zach. She was so proud of you mate! God I hate cancer.”
Originally published on 7NEWS
