Paul B. Kidd

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Paul B. Kidd
Kidd in 2020
Born
Paul Benjamin Kidd

1945 (1945)
Australia
Died (aged 76)
Other namesPaul Kidd
Occupation(s)Author, journalist, radio show host

Paul Benjamin Kidd (1945 โ€“ 26 December 2021) was an Australian author, journalist, and radio show host. From 2001 until 2020, Kidd was the co-host of the 2UE George and Paul weekend show with George Moore; from 2020 until his death, he co-hosted Weekends with John and Paul with John Stanley on 2GB. Kidd was also a prolific true crime writer, having published a large number of books about high-profile murder cases across Australia and the world.

Early career

Paul Benjamin Kidd was born in 1945.[1][2] He began writing in 1970.[3] A self-described "big game fisher",[4] he was in turn the editor of Fishing News, The Tackle Trader, and Fishing Australia Monthly. He was also a photojournalist.[5]

Radio host

Prior to becoming a host for 2UE, Kidd was the station's fishing and boating commentator. He attained the hosting position for the weekend morning show in 2001 after having originally appeared as a guest, and spent the next two decades co-hosting the show with George Moore.[6] After fifteen years, the show switched from 2UE to 2GB. The show, called simply The George and Paul Show,[7] was a profitable ratings success described as a "unique blend of conservative politics and quiz shows".[8]

In late 2019, Moore announced his retirement from The George and Paul Show.[8] Kidd later teamed up with John Stanley to co-host Weekends with John and Paul, changing his timeslot from 9am-2pm to 2pm-6pm.[7]

True crime writing

Kidd was a prolific writer on Australian crime, with 37 published works.[1] His most widely disseminated book, Till Death Do Us Part: True Stories of Australian Marriages That Ended in Murder, is held by 106 WorldCat libraries worldwide.[1] Other books by Kidd to attract significant attention include Celluloid Serial Killers,[9] also published as Cinema Serial Killers,[10] and 50 Australian Crimes of the 20th Century.[4]

Kidd's true crime works have been the subject of controversy over their sociological claims, particularly about

petrol fumes" was described as a racist and narrow perspective of Indigenous communities.[4]

Personal life

Kidd lived in Bondi and was married five times.[6] In 2008, he was diagnosed with bladder cancer;[11] he had a "cardiac episode" in 2018,[12] which prevented him from hosting a cruise with Moore for a group of fans.[13] Kidd died on 26 December 2021 after a "protracted illness", at the age of 76; his death was announced the following day on 2GB's Twitter account.[12] His death was mourned by his colleagues, with 2GB presenter Clinton Maynard describing him as a "unique Australian character" and a significant force in the national radio industry and breakfast presenter Ben Fordham calling him a "generous soul".[14] Moore described the death as expected due to Kidd's health issues, but nonetheless "a damn shock".[15]

References

  1. ^ a b c "Kidd, Paul B. (Paul Benjamin) 1945โ€“". WorldCat. Retrieved 6 March 2021.
  2. .
  3. ^ "What does the 'B' stand for? Paul B Kidd opens up ahead of new show". 2GB. 16 January 2020. Retrieved 2 January 2022.
  4. ^ a b c Chalmers, Max (17 March 2016). "For This Crime Writer, A 'Typical Aboriginal' Is A Violent, Thieving, Rapist, Murderer". New Matilda. Retrieved 6 March 2021.
  5. ^ "Great Fishing Stories with Paul B Kidd". ABC Local. 26 November 2003. Retrieved 6 March 2021.
  6. ^ a b Staff writer (5 September 2005). "The odd couple". Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 6 March 2021.
  7. ^ a b Blackiston, Hannah (13 January 2020). "Paul B Kidd to join John Stanley for Weekends with John and Paul on 2GB and 4BC". Mumbrella. Retrieved 6 March 2021.
  8. ^ a b Staff writer (20 October 2019). "George Moore quits MacRadio". RadioInfo Australia. Retrieved 6 March 2021.
  9. ^ Scott, Jennifer (29 January 2008). "Celluloid Serial Killers". Sunshine Coast Daily. Retrieved 6 March 2021.
  10. . Retrieved 6 March 2021 – via National Library of Australia Catalogue.
  11. ^ Staff writer (15 September 2008). "Talk show host's kind words for cancer stricken rival". RadioInfo Australia. Retrieved 6 March 2021.
  12. ^ a b Wolski, Gillian (27 December 2021). "Aussie radio 'legend' Paul B. Kidd dead aged 76: 'We'll miss you'". Yahoo! News. Retrieved 27 December 2021.
  13. ^ Staff writer (16 September 2018). "Paul B. Kidd a no-show on Mediterranean Cruise with listeners". RadioInfo Australia. Retrieved 27 December 2021.
  14. ^ Staff writer (27 December 2021). "Legendary radio broadcaster Paul B. Kidd dies age 76". 9 News. Retrieved 27 December 2021.
  15. ^ White, Daniella (27 December 2021). "Veteran Australian radio broadcaster Paul B. Kidd dies, aged 76". Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 27 December 2021.