Popular news presenter Alison "Ali" Drower has died following a short battle with cancer. The star passed away on Sunday, September 28, at Canberra Hospital, surrounded by her family. After a long career on TV and radio, she had most recently been working with the Australian Radio Network (ARN) and her colleague, Head of News and Information Fiona Ellis-Jones, paid touching tribute to the star.
"Ali Drower was a giant of the Australian news industry. 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. She knew the people who could make it work, and the resourcing and scheduling it required. She understood audiences, whether in Sydney or Scottsdale. She also had a wicked sense of humour and loved a good yarn – preferably over a good wine. Ali was deeply passionate about the role of regional journalism and dedicated to mentoring the next generation of radio talent." she said.
Ali, who is the mother of Supercars racer Zach Bates and wife of former Australian rally driver Rick Bates, began her career in the 1980s and was the face of MTV Australia for many years, interviewing stars alongside co-anchor Richard Wilkins.
In the 1990s she presented the breakfast show on MIX 106.3. She went on to become a regional news director with Southern Cross Austereo and was also heavily involved in motorsports broadcasting on Channel 10's coverage of the V8 Supercars and on RPM. Motor racing presenter Greg Rust paid tribute in a statement saying she was "among the pioneers for women in motorsport in Australia".
Rust said:"As a lead and features reporter for RPM, she brought a balance that wa s needed beyond the hardcore love the rest of us had. Ali injected laughs and a sense of fun that helped unmask the competitors and see more of their wonderful personalities... she 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...God I hate cancer."
Fans also rushed to pay tribute as they learned the news. "Oh no. I remember Ali as far back as MTV when she worked with Richard Wilkins. Devasting news. Later I moved to Canberra and she did the breakfast show on MIX 106.3 in the 90s, before working at Channel 10. RIP Ali," one wrote on Facebook.
"Sad news indeed. Condolences to Rick, Zach and all the Bates and Drower family in this difficult time," another added. a third chimed in: "Very sad. Listened to Ali on Triple M with Doug & in the afternoons with the Duck," add ing a crying emoji to theiwr comment.
"Still remember listening to her reading the news on MMM and the Doug Mulray breakfast show. A pioneer in Motorsport broadcasting as well. Thoughts and prayers with her family and friends. May she RIP," a fourth shared.
Meanwhile a fifth penned: "Godspeed Ali. You were not just a pioneer in motorsport for your achievements, but an ambasador for all of those journo's that came after you. RIP."
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