Australian Community Radio Broadcaster Paris Pompor Passes Away

Australian community radio broadcaster Paris Pompor has passed away.

2SER shared the sad news on Facebook yesterday (7 May). Pompor was a longtime broadcaster on the community radio station and presented Jumping The Gap. According to a report from Radio Info, Pompor passed away yesterday morning, on his 58th birthday.

In addition to his role on community radio, Pompor built a reputation as an excellent DJ and producer. His love of music led to running the Groovescooter label with his best friend, Georgie. The pair released records and distributed films, growing the arts scene throughout the country.

The team at 2SER said of Pompor’s loss:

2SER was hugely saddened today to hear the news that our friend, and much-loved community radio broadcaster Paris Pompor has passed away.

A longtime member of the 2SER community as a presenter of Jumping the Gap, Paris was a brilliant DJ, producer and radio presenter, whose incredible taste was only outshone by his obvious love of music, deep knowledge, incisive wit and infectious sense of humour.

Beyond the radio studio Paris, along with lifelong best friend Georgie ran the Groovescooter label, releasing records, distributing films, hosting in-conversations and so much more, and being an essential part of the cultural fabric of this city over the last 30 years.

2SER offers its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Paris who are grieving today.

Australian author, music journalist, broadcaster and publicist Stuart Coupe added, “Totally stunned and very sad to be hearing the news that Paris Pompor has passed away.

“A complete and total music fan, a beautiful human and always a joy to run into around the traps or at 2SER over the years. Watching him dancing around the studio whilst presenting a radio show always made my day just that little happier.”

Taking to X (formerly known as Twitter), music journalist Cyclone Wehner also paid tribute to Pompor, writing: “I'm so very shocked + sorry to hear about Paris Pompor's passing. He was not only a DJ, promoter, cultivator + co-founder of Groovescooter in Eora/Syd, but also a dedicated music journalist.”

Wehner added, “I hope that his legacy as an underground catalyst is remembered + cherished.”

A tribute to Pompor will air on 2SER tomorrow (9 May) at midday. The station’s broadcasters, Hobermallow and ShanFrienze, will step aside as the radio station plays four hours of Pompor’s voice, stories, and music. Shan said:

Paris and I often talked about the artistry of radio. I always admired his cut & paste mixes—so few were doing that in Australia, and he was truly one of the best. I felt proud to share the 2SER airwaves with someone so talented, someone who pushed me to make my own show the best it could be.

Out of deep respect for his incredible body of work, I spent today gathering pieces from his archives and gently stitching them into a long-form mastermix. I’ve also included some amazing moments from his Jumping The Gap show.

This #Friday at #midday, Hobermallow and I will step aside and let Paris take the reins for the four hours. You’ll hear his voice, his stories, and his music.

I wish I had the strength to say more, but I’m exhausted. There’s still so much to say, but the words aren’t coming easily. We worked on so many things over the years. Some of my most interesting gigs came from Groovescooter’s wild, ambitious ideas — always fuelled by generosity and deep connection. I know I frustrated him sometimes with my chaotic schedule and terrible time management… sorry, Paris & Georgie. You never let it show. You have always both been so kind, always forgiving.

Spending the day listening back to his work brought me a quiet peace.

And yes — he would’ve hated this cover graphic. Sorry, mate… it’s the best I could do for now.

This Friday’s mix will be something special. I hope you’ll join me at midday to honour one of Australian radio’s true artists and most gifted DJs.

The Music offers sincere condolences to Paris Pompor’s family and friends and all who loved him.

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