Kevin Blyton started his career as a radio announcer in Cooma and built a tourism and radio empire. His combination of practical management, ambition, steady focus and a down-to-earth nature made him both respected and approachable. Photo: Radio Today.
Over more than 40 years, Kevin James Blyton helped transform regional media and tourism, his impact still evident across southern NSW, the ACT and beyond.
When he passed away suddenly on 19 October at Cooma Hospital, aged 65, tributes flowed, highlighting his warmhearted, generous and down-to-earth nature.
Colleagues, friends and community members remembered him as an industry leader who quietly supported staff, mentored young professionals and invested in opportunities that strengthened towns and careers alike.
But, for many, it was the small gestures that revealed his character: the man who’d pitch in to help, who always had time for a chat and his unexpected acts of encouragement.
Mostly – across his beloved Snowy Mountains and beyond – people recalled his trailblazing commitment to regional Australia, describing a figure who saw potential where others saw only challenge and who made it his mission to ensure communities, businesses and individuals could thrive.
Blyton’s passion for broadcasting began early, in the Snowy Mountains where he got a start as an announcer at 2XL in Cooma.
He was 19 when he purchased the station in 1978, demonstrating a vision that extended far beyond the station’s modest studios.
That single purchase became the foundation of what would become the Capital Radio Network and the broader Blyton Group.
Over the years, the network expanded to include XL FM and SNOW FM in the Snowy Mountains, 3GG in Gippsland, 2CA and 2CC in Canberra, GNFM and Eagle FM in the Southern Tablelands, and 6iX in Perth, along with digital stations such as “60s Music” and “70s Music”.
For Blyton, radio was never just a business; it was a way to give local communities a voice, to connect people across distances and to ensure regional Australians had media that reflected their lives and experiences.
He understood that in towns far from the capitals, access to information, culture and entertainment could shape opportunities, careers and community cohesion.
But he didn’t confine himself to broadcasting, diversifying into tourism and hospitality with a clear focus on regional development.
In 2006 he acquired Charlotte Pass Snow Resort, and later, in 2015, Selwyn Snow Resort.
He also owned the Kosciuszko Chalet Hotel, Jindabyne Cinema and other local transport and hospitality businesses including the Stillwell Hotel and Lucy Lodge at Charlotte Pass – all reflective of his passion for creating experiences that celebrated the unique character of the Australian Alps.
Beyond the resorts, Blyton’s commitment to regional tourism and economic development extended to ownership of Snowy Mountains Airport and Magic Mountain Merimbula, strengthening vital connections between the coast and the mountains.
And he stared setbacks in the face.
After the 2019-2020 Black Summer bushfires, which caused extensive damage to Selwyn Snow Resort, Blyton provided the vision, investment and untiring leadership needed to rebuild, ensuring the resort could reopen and continue to support the region’s economy.
When it did, it was better than ever – offering state-of-the-art facilities and extended snow play activities that have ensured people west of the Snowies could experience the winter wonderland he had imagined.
Throughout his career, Blyton’s decisions also reflected a practical commitment to people and place.
During the early stages of the COVID‑19 pandemic, when uncertainty threatened staff across his businesses, he guaranteed no one would lose their job or have their wages cut.
For many employees, this was a decisive and reassuring action in an otherwise turbulent period.
Colleagues remembered him as hands-on and engaged, whether personally visiting resorts, checking on operations or quietly helping staff and local businesses when problems arose.
Small gestures, like arranging movie screenings for employees or inviting teams to meals, left lasting impressions and reinforced his reputation as a leader who took care of those around him.
Blyton’s influence extended beyond day-to-day business.
He served on the board of Commercial Radio Australia for about 14 years and in 2013 was inducted into the Commercial Radio Hall of Fame in recognition of his lifetime contribution to the industry.
His efforts helped strengthen regional radio networks, giving smaller towns a presence in national broadcasting conversations.
Within tourism and hospitality, organisations such as Snow Resorts Australia acknowledged his investment and leadership as central to sustaining the vitality of alpine tourism in NSW.
Those who worked with him often highlighted his ability to open doors for others.
Many careers in radio, hospitality, and tourism could trace their start or growth to opportunities Blyton created – he took mentoring seriously, fostering professional development while quietly maintaining high standards.
Industry colleagues noted that his combination of practical management, ambition and steady focus made him both respected and approachable.
Kevin is survived by his daughter, Lucy Blyton‑Gray – who earlier this year was appointed general manager of Charlotte Pass Snow Resort – and by the extended network of people whose careers and communities were shaped by his guidance.
His funeral was held at St Columbkille Church in Jindabyne on Thursday 30 October.
