We all know Wally Lewis is the one and only Emperor of Lang Park, but if there was a Brisbane media “royal family” who else would be included?

I’m asking this because I was reminded recently how I once dubbed Spencer Howson “Mister Brisbane”. But I liked the name so much, I took it back and used it myself.

Of course, I’d never place myself above the great man — so since Spencer likes to refer to people who’ve been achievers in radio and television as “media royalty”, I’ve started thinking of him as the King of Brisbane.

He loves this city and he has documented it over decades, sharing his favourite people, places and experience, both as a top-rating Breakfast radio host on 612 ABC Brisbane (and on 4BC, where I was his producer for a year and a bit) and in real life.

But, as I wrote here, Spencer has no plans to return to the limelight right now, so the question emerges: does he get to keep the crown, or should it be passed on?

Or perhaps we should have an entire Brisbane media Royal Family.

I have thoughts.

I’ve suggested Melissa Downes as the Queen. She’s been a mainstay of 9News for 20 years and successfully held the fort solo for half of last year when her “TV husband”, Andrew Lofthouse, retired.

Others in the family might include 4BH’s “Barbecue” Bob Gallagher, Seven’s Max Futcher, his former co-anchor Sharyn Ghidella (who is now on Ten), long-time Triple M Breakfast host Greg “Marto” Martin, KIIS 973’s Robin Bailey (who has a book coming out this year) and Nova returnee Susie O’Neill.

And because every royal court needs a jester, maybe there’s a job for Stav Davidson.

I know I’ve missed a lot of people out. I’ve tried to restrict myself to those still active in the media, because I know there are many among the recently retired who are equally worthy.

And there are many people still active in the media who probably should have been included, but I didn’t just want to make this a list of names.

You are all special to me!

In any case, it’s just a bit of fun.

But, what do you think?

Complete the square

Brisbane City Council opposition leader Jared Cassidy has taken to social media to call for the redevelopment of King George Square.

He’s not the first, nor will be the last, to point out that its current iteration — completely paved — is not ideal in the Brisbane summer.

Cassidy remembers, as do many of us, a time when Brisbane was a “city of fountains”. (Does anyone remember the one in the river that sank?)

I also have fond memories of concrete ponds full of goldfish (or were they koi?) — certainly in Anzac Square and maybe in KGS too.

Cassidy writes on Facebook: “Every time I walk across that hot grey slate, designed for commercial activities, I remember what was and think about what could be again.”

And today I join him in asking: What do you think should happen with King George Square?

P.S.

On the subject of Royals…

©2026 Brett Debritz. If I’ve inadvertently used copyrighted material, failed to give credit where it’s due, written or said something you disagree with, or otherwise upset or unexpectedly delighted you, please leave a comment, email me or connect with me at @debritz on X and Mastodon, @brettdebritz on Facebook, Instagram, Threads and BlueSky, and @radiobert on YouTube. Links provided as a courtesy; I take no responsibility for their contents or give any warranty of their veracity. Images: Publicity shots AI enhanced.