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Phillip Adams (writer)

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Phillip Adams
Born (1939-07-12) July 12, 1939 (age 87)
Maryborough, Victoria, Australia
Occupation(s)Humanist, social commentator, broadcaster, public intellectual, farmer
Years active1960s–2024
Known forHost of Late Night Live on ABC Radio National; contributions to Australian film industry; social commentary

Phillip Andrew Hedley Adams (born 12 July 1939) is an Australian figure known for his work as a humanist, social commentator, former broadcaster, public intellectual, and farmer. From 1991 until 2024, he was the host of Late Night Live on ABC Radio National and continues to contribute a weekly column to The Weekend Australian.

Adams has experience in advertising and film production and has served on the boards of various non-profit organizations such as WikiLeaks, Greenpeace Australia, Ausflag, Care Australia, Film Victoria, the National Museum of Australia, the Adelaide Festival of Ideas, the Brisbane Ideas Festival, Montsalvat Arts Society, and the Don Dunstan Foundation. Early in his life, he was a member of the Communist Party of Australia before joining the Australian Labor Party, where he remained for fifty years.

He has been honored with appointments as Member, Officer, and Companion of the Order of Australia and holds six honorary doctorates awarded by Australian universities. His accolades include Republican of the Year (2005), the Senior ANZAC Fellowship, Australian Humanist of the Year, the Gold Lion at Cannes Lions Festival, the Longford Award, a Walkley Award, and the Henry Lawson Australian Arts Award. In 1997, a minor planet was named after him by the International Astronomical Union. Additionally, a poll conducted by the National Trust of Australia listed him among Australia's 100 national living treasures.

Early years

Phillip Adams was born in Maryborough, Victoria as the sole child of Reverend Charles Adams, an English-born minister affiliated with the Congregational Church. His early life was challenging; following his parents' separation and his father's departure to war, he lived in poverty with his grandparents. Adams has described this period as enduring "penury for the first 10, 15 years" while also protecting his mother from an abusive partner. He left school before finishing secondary education and began working in advertising.

At age 16, while employed in advertising, Adams joined the Communist Party of Australia but left at 19. Due to his early political involvement, the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) opened a file on him when he was just 15. Subsequently, he became a member of the Australian Labor Party, maintaining this affiliation for fifty years until his departure in 2010.

Career

Adams started his career in advertising with Briggs & James before becoming a partner at Monahan Dayman Adams. During this time, he helped create notable campaigns such as Life. Be in it., Slip, Slop, Slap, Break down the Barriers for the International Year of Disabled Persons, and Care for Kids for the International Year of the Child. His collaborators included prominent figures like Fred Schepisi, Alex Stitt, and Robyn Archer. Adams exited the advertising industry during the 1980s. In 1987, Monahan Dayman Adams acquired Sydney-based agency MoJo, which continued operations under MojoMDA.

He has contributed columns to leading Australian newspapers including The Age, The Australian, and Sydney Morning Herald, as well as international publications such as The New York Times and the Financial Times. Presently, he writes a weekly column for The Australian.

Film Contributions

During the 1970s, Adams was a key figure in the resurgence of the Australian film industry. His 1969 report led Prime Minister John Gorton to create the Australian Film and Television Development Corporation (which later became the Australian Film Commission) along with the Experimental Film Fund.

Working closely with Barry Jones, Adams played a foundational role in establishing the Australian Film Television and Radio School under the Whitlam administration. He was also vital in launching the South Australian Film Corporation in 1972, which served as a blueprint for other state film organizations. Furthermore, Adams contributed to the creation of the Australia Council, Australian Film Development Corporation, Film Finance Corporation Australia, and Screen Australia. As Australia's chief delegate at the Cannes Film Festival, he negotiated and signed the nation's inaugural co-production treaties with France and the United Kingdom. His leadership extended to chairing prominent bodies such as the Australian Film Institute, the Film and Television Board of the Australia Council, the Australian Film Commission, and Film Australia.

In the 1960s, Adams took on multiple roles—co-writing, co-producing, co-directing, and cinematographing—on his debut feature film, Jack and Jill: A Postscript (1969). This film earned the first-ever AFI Award and marked Australia's initial Grand Prix victory at an international festival.

His production portfolio includes titles like Barry Humphries' The Adventures of Barry McKenzie, directed by Bruce Beresford, which became Australia's highest-grossing film at that time despite receiving mixed critical responses. Other films he produced or co-produced include The Naked Bunyip, Don's Party, The Getting of Wisdom, Lonely Hearts, We of the Never Never, Grendel Grendel Grendel, Fighting Back, Hearts and Minds, and Abra Cadabra.

Broadcasting Career

Adams launched his broadcasting journey hosting a late-night show on Sydney's commercial radio station 2UE during the late 1980s and early 1990s. In 1991, he took over from Virginia Bell as host of ABC Radio National's Late Night Live. This program features interviews covering politics, science, philosophy, history, and culture. Broadcast nationally on ABC Radio National, as well as on Radio Australia and streaming online, it airs live Monday through Thursday at 22:00 AEST/ADST, with a repeat broadcast at 15:00 AEST/ADST the following day. The show blends in-depth discussions on international issues with Adams' trademark subtle wit and irony. Regular guests have included figures such as Bruce Shapiro and Beatrix Campbell. Adams' final broadcast occurred on 27 June 2024; his successor will be David Marr.

Adams affectionately addressed his listeners using nicknames like "the listener," "Gladys," or collectively "Gladdies." More recently, he began welcoming his audience as "Gladdies and Poddies," reflecting the increasing popularity of podcast listeners.

The current opening theme is the first movement from Brescianello's Violin Concerto No. 4 in E minor, Op. 1. Previously, from 2010 until March 2016, the theme featured an excerpt from "Eliza Aria" taken from the Wild Swans Concert Suite by Elena Kats-Chernin, performed by the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra with soprano Jane Sheldon. Between 2007 and 2010, Kats-Chernin's "Russian Rag," humorously dubbed "The Waltz of the Wombat" by Adams, served as the theme. Earlier themes included Bach's Concerto for oboe, violin and orchestra in C minor, BWV 1060: III. Allegro.

Additional roles

Adams was the inaugural chairman of the Commission for the Future, an initiative launched by the Hawke government to bridge the gap between scientific communities and the public. He also led the National Australia Day Council, which oversees the selection process for the Australian of the Year award.

He held the position of founding chair at the Australian Centre for Social Innovation, established by South Australia's government, and provided leadership to advisory committees at both the University of Sydney and Australian National University. Adams has contributed as a board member to organizations such as Greenpeace, CARE Australia, the National Museum of Australia, The Australian Centre for Social Innovation, and prominent ideas festivals in Adelaide and Brisbane. Additionally, he serves as an Ambassador for Bush Heritage Australia and the National Secular Lobby, and is a co-founder of the Australian Skeptics.

As an author and editor, Adams has produced over twenty publications, including titles like The Unspeakable Adams, Adams Versus God, The Penguin Book of Australian Jokes, Retreat from Tolerance, Talkback and A Billion Voices, Adams Ark, and collaborated with Lee Burton on Emperors of the Air.

Political perspectives and involvement

A dedicated humanist, Adams was characterized by Robert Manne as "the emblematic figurehead of the pro-Labor left intelligentsia." Following early participation in the Australian Communist movement, he spent many years as a member of the Australian Labor Party, providing counsel on public relations, advertising, and policy to leaders from Gough Whitlam through to Kevin Rudd. He ended his association with Labor in 2010 after five decades due to dissatisfaction with Julia Gillard’s removal of Rudd.

Though he departed from Labor, Adams maintained a steadfastly left-wing stance, casting votes for the Greens while preserving connections to Labor’s heritage. In 1995, he opposed Section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975, advocating for open public discourse rather than legal penalties concerning racial hatred.

During the Howard administration, Adams criticized Prime Minister John Howard, calling him "the worst prime minister in living memory." In 2022, Adams sparked controversy by tweeting that cricketer Donald Bradman was a "right wing nut job" for opposing socialism following the Whitlam government’s dismissal—a statement that singer Kamahl labeled racist. There is no documented evidence supporting Adams’ assertions about Bradman’s opinions on Nelson Mandela, which contradict available historical accounts.

"Honorary white" tweet controversy

Adams encountered backlash after referring to Kamahl—a Malaysian-born Australian singer—as an "honorary white" in a Twitter reply. He stated: "Clearly, Kamahl, he made you an Honorary White. Whereas one of the most towering political figures of the 20th century was deemed unworthy of Bradman’s approval.” This comment alluded to unverified claims that Bradman declined to meet Nelson Mandela due to political and racial differences, despite records showing Mandela’s respect for Bradman, who had opposed the apartheid system.

Mandela had sought a meeting with Bradman during his 2000 visit to Sydney; however, Bradman’s declining health prevented it. Instead, Bradman sent Mandela a framed photograph through actor Jack Thompson. Bradman died less than half a year later.

When ABC managing director David Anderson was questioned about Adams’ tweet during an Australian Senate committees hearing, he stated that Adams had privately apologized to Kamahl. Kamahl refuted receiving any apology and pointed out that Adams had blocked him on Twitter while reiterating his remarks. Kamahl asserted, "I am not an honorary white man but a very proud black Australian man, deeply insulted by the treatment I have received from your employee and your organisation."

Anderson expressed "sincere apologies," explaining he had been informed an apology was issued and requested Adams to communicate apologies directly. Adams sent an email to Kamahl expressing regret over the misunderstanding and clarified that his tweet targeted Bradman rather than Kamahl. Kamahl dismissed this apology as "arrogant," insisting on a public apology on Late Night Live.

Personal life

Adams is married to Patrice Newell and is a father to four daughters—three from his first marriage to Rosemary Fawcett, and one with Newell. He lives on "Elmswood," an extensive estate near Gundy in the Hunter Valley, New South Wales, where he and his wife grow garlic, olives, and raise organically fed cattle. Prior to this, Adams resided in Paddington and earlier at Stoneleigh, a heritage-listed residence located in Darlinghurst. He has a passion for collecting antiquities from ancient cultures, including items from Egyptian, Roman, Greek, Etruscan, and indigenous South American origins.

Adams has publicly identified as an atheist since his early years.

In 1979, artist Wes Walters received the Archibald Prize for a portrait featuring Adams.

Honours and awards

  • Windgrove Laureate (2004)
  • Senior ANZAC Fellow (1981)
  • Henry Lawson Arts Award (1987)
  • United Nations Media Award (2005)
  • Multiple AFI Awards recognizing various film achievements
  • Honorary Doctorates awarded by Griffith University, Edith Cowan University (2003), University of Sydney (2005), University of South Australia (2010), and Macquarie University (2014)
  • Inducted into the Australian Media Hall of Fame (2014)
  • Honorary Doctorate from the Australian Film, Television and Radio School (2016)
  • Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) 2025 for distinguished contributions to broadcast media, journalism, arts, cultural leadership, and community service
  • Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) 1992 for contributions to Australian film and television sectors
  • Member of the Order of Australia (AM) 1987 for services to the arts, particularly film and television
  • Designated a Living Treasure by the National Trust of Australia in 1998
  • Recipient of the Walkley Award for Broadcast Journalism (2004)
  • Awarded the Responsibility in Journalism Award 1998 by SCICOP in New York
  • Named Australian Republican of the Year 2005
  • Honored as Australian Humanist of the Year 1987 by the Council of Australian Humanist Societies
  • Awarded the Australian Centenary Medal (2001) for contributions to journalism in Australian society
  • Received the Raymond Longford Award (1981) for outstanding service to the Australian film industry
  • The minor planet "5133 Phillipadams" was named after him by the International Astronomical Union in 1997
  • Joint recipient with Father Chris Riley of the Human Rights Medal from the Australian Government's Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (2006)
  • Special Award for Services to History presented by the Australian History Association (2024)

Bibliography

  • Conversations
  • A Billion Voices
  • Classic Columns
  • Adams Ark
  • Adams Versus God
  • Retreat from Tolerance
  • The Uncensored Adams
  • The Inflammable Adams
  • The Unspeakable Adams
  • More Unspeakable Adams
  • Adams with Added Enzymes
  • Talkback: Emperors of the Air
  • Adams Vs. God: The Rematch (2007)
  • Harold Cazneaux: The Quiet Observer
  • The Big Questions (co-authored with Professor Paul Davies)
  • More Big Questions (co-authored with Professor Paul Davies)
  • Bedtime Stories – Tales from my 21 Years at Late Night Live

With partner Patrice Newell, Adams co-authored several joke compilations:

    • The Penguin Book of Australian Jokes (1994)
    • The Penguin Book of Jokes from Cyberspace (1995)
    • The Penguin Book of More Australian Jokes (1996)
    • The Penguin Book of Schoolyard Jokes (1997)

Film

Television

  • Adams' Australia, produced as part of BBC TV’s contribution to the Australian bicentenary celebrations
  • The Big Questions, featuring Professor Paul Davies
  • Death and Destiny in Ancient Egypt, writer and presenter, filmed alongside Paul Cox in 2008
  • More Big Questions, again with Professor Paul Davies
  • Face the Press, broadcast on SBS
  • Short Cuts, aired by ABC
  • Appearances on Four Corners
  • Contributions to This Day Tonight
  • Guest on Parkinson
  • Featured on the 7:30 Report program
  • Participation in shows hosted by Clive James
  • Presenter for Will Be Back After This Break, 7 Network
  • Host for ABC’s series Two Shot, seasons 1 and 2
  • Presenter for two six-part series titled Short and Sweet, ABC
  • Appearances on the series Talking Heads
  • Contributions to ABC’s Compass
  • Features on the program Sunday
  • Reporter for A Current Affair
  • Contributor to Sixty Minutes
  • Storyteller for Australian Story
  • Participant in the program Counterpoint with William F. Buckley Jr.
  • Appearances on satirical news show CNNNN
  • Contributions to comedy series The Chaser's War on Everything
  • Master of ceremonies for the Australian Film Institute Awards telecast
  • Co-host for events during the Australian Bicentennial Celebration

External links

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