George Negus has passed away at 82:
Consolidating discussion of George Negus who has died aged 82.
There is a lot of discussion spread across the forum owing to George’s extensive career.
8 Likes
Statement from Nine
George Negus, who died today aged 82, is being remembered as a powerhouse of Australian broadcast journalism by his many friends and former colleagues at Nine.
Negus joined Channel 9 in the late 1970s, legendary producer Gerald Stone recognised his distinctive style and hired George to be one of the founding reporters for the then brand-new current affairs program, 60 Minutes.
Along with Ray Martin and Ian Leslie, George instantly became a household name in Australia. He was the reporter with the gruff voice, the big moustache and the bucketload of opinions.
George’s trademark way of telling stories ensured he was never accused of being dull. He famously got under the skin of British PM Margaret Thatcher; he flirted with actor Meryl Streep; and he showed his great compassion in an extraordinary interview with Mother Teresa.
In eight years on the road at 60 Minutes, George travelled to numerous warzones and reported from every corner of the world.
Nine’s Director of Television Michael Healy remembered George as one of this country’s biggest stars.
“Today, Australia lost one of its greatest storytellers. When you watched a George Negus interview it was thoughtful, intelligent, composed. He was always in control.”
Fiona Dear, Director of News and Current Affairs said, “Like many Australians, I grew up watching George Negus every Sunday night on 60 Minutes. He opened Australia’s eyes to the world, he took us to places we didn’t know existed, and introduced us to the people who shaped society.”
For Kirsty Thomson, 60 Minutes Executive Producer, George’s contribution to the program will always be applauded and treasured.
“Everyone at 60 Minutes sends love to George’s family.”
“We are so proud to work at a program that’s always been inspired by George’s trailblazing journalism and globetrotting genius.”
“His legacy lives on at 60 Minutes through his wonderful son Serge, a producer on the program, who continues to do what George loved most about his job: being able to tell great stories.”
4 Likes
Very sad news. He was such a great asset to television news
8 Likes
Oh dear. How unfortunate.
1 Like
Seven News Sydney lead the news with this sad news. And kudos for them in acknowledging the other networks he was on. They mentioned he had a short stint on Seven.
4 Likes
George Negus’s appearances on The Late Show.
YouTube: Champagne Comedy Dot Com
2 Likes
Statement from SBS
We are deeply saddened by the passing of George Negus, a giant of Australian journalism and a fondly-remembered veteran of SBS.
George’s dogged pursuit of truth and his unique ability to connect with people through his authentic, down-to-earth approach to storytelling left an indelible mark on our industry.
Joining SBS in 2005 to present Dateline, George was instrumental in shaping the program during his tenure to 2010 into the ground-breaking current affairs program it is today, bringing global stories into Australian living rooms with his trademark insight and empathy. His dedication to journalism, passion for social justice, and love for the craft will inspire future generations of reporters and producers.
George will be remembered as much for his warmth and character off-screen as for his contributions to Australian media.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to George’s family and loved ones.
4 Likes
Derryn Hinch also paid a long tribute to George on 3AW Drive this afternoon.
3 Likes
I always respected that George Negus seemed to remain quite humble despite his influence, and was happy to have a bit of fun at his own expense. His appearance in the video clip for Ganggajang’s song Hundreds Of Languages (alongside a bunch of other news and current affairs presenters of the day) bopping along to the song while doing his trademark thing of sitting at an odd angle always made me smile.
1 Like
Some reports from tonight
2 Likes
My friends told me that George Negus died this morning, and I thought they were joking. Turns out, he actually did die. RIP George Negus.
2 Likes
Network 10 released this statement to TV Blackbox:
“George’s integrity, curiosity, thoughtfulness, and passion for people and places was evident in everything he did. His ability to connect with viewers with his impactful, genuine and heartfelt storytelling was extraordinary. George was without a doubt a titan of Australian journalism.”
“A much-loved colleague, friend and mentor, we offer our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.”
1 Like
Yes it’s been quite well documented in the posts above?
1 Like