By Nick Bond

Copyright news

Longtime news presenter Drower died on Sunday in Canberra Hospital after being diagnosed with a rare form of cancer.

Drower had many high-ranking media jobs over the years, including working as a news presenter on Triple M and as News Director for TV and radio with Southern Cross Austereo.

But perhaps her most visible role was back in the 80s with Wilkins, when the pair were both presenters on MTV Australia.

“I am absolutely devastated to learn of the passing of the wonderful Alison Drower.

Ali and I and our small, fabulous, passionate team had the honour and unbridled joy of creating the first international affiliate of MTV in the late 80s,” Wilkins wrote in an Instagram post today.

Wilkins praised his former co-star’s “voice, smile” and “wry sense of humour” and said the pair tried to keep in touch although didn’t get to see each other very often.

“Although I hadn’t seen Ali for years … we always traded birthday greetings and unsolicited compliments … which make me cry as I read them today.”

He extended his “sincere condolences” to her family and friends: “I’m sure your pain is immeasurable.”

Wilkins isn’t the only Australian media personality to pay tribute to Drower: ABC broadcaster Fiona Wyllie said that the best part of her 40 years in radio had been “finding my best friend of 40 years Ali Drower.”

“Ali taught me like so many others what a good story is. What’s the lead? How to edit? and how to live life fully.

Ali helped so many get their start and their next step in news. It is with the heaviest of hearts this is the news,” Wyllie said, as per TV Blackbox.

Sunrise sports presenter Mark Beretta called Drower “‘a wonderful and gifted broadcaster” and described the news of her death as “shocking.”

Drower, who was in her late 50s, is survived by her husband Rick Bates, a well known rally driver, and their son Zach.