9NEWS QUEENSLAND ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT OF ANDREW LOFTHOUSE
9News Queensland has today announced the retirement of esteemed presenter and journalist Andrew ‘Lofty’ Lofthouse, to focus on his health.
Lofthouse has been with Nine for 17 years, 16 of those spent beside his on air partner, Melissa Downes. He first joined 9News Queensland as a weekend presenter before seamlessly transitioning to the weekday spotlight a year later, where he has been a daily constant in the lives of viewers. His long standing on air partnership with Downes has delivered Queenslanders some of the State’s biggest stories, including the devastating floods of 2011 and 2022, when he and Downes anchored live coverage from the banks of the Brisbane River. He broadcast live from the Cyclone Yasi impact zone, Christchurch after the earthquake and in Paris just last year, for Nine’s Olympic Games.
9News Queensland News Director Brendan Hockings said: “Lofty is a rare gem and an exceptional talent. For someone so respected, he is also so humble. He is the journo who offers to carry the tripod. The colleague who makes you a cuppa. The news anchor who doesn’t see himself as any more than part of the team. The example he has set as a newsman is the gold standard. He is rare, he is loved and he is forever Nine Queensland. We wish him our love and support as he navigates this next period.”
Andrew Lofthouse said: “I’ve been in the business a long time. I’ve done a heck of a lot with Nine. It’s been an amazing privilege and a wonderful experience with the best in the business. And of course, our incredible viewers who make it all worthwhile. I’m currently dealing with a bit of a health issue so now is a good time for me to pull back and slow down a little after a dream career. Thanks for watching!”
9News Presenter Melissa Downes said: “Andrew Lofthouse is one of the true gentlemen of the TV News business. He is incredibly passionate about quality journalism, taking an interest in every story in our bulletin. Lofty is so much more than just a colleague, he’s one of my closest friends and I’m so incredibly grateful for the 16 years we shared on the 9News desk.”
Melissa Downes will continue to present 9News Queensland until a co-presenter is appointed.
Lofthouse’s career at Nine will be recognised at the end of tonight’s 6pm bulletin.
Sad news, he was looking a little frail/not composed at the Paris Olympics (some might recall), which I believe he wasn’t even meant to be there for, covering for another on-air colleague who was not well. Feel for QTQ.
60yo is the retiring age nowadays, although at 62yo Andy would have been able to go at 57yo under the superannuation rules. Great innings at 9 for Andy and 4-5 years past when he could have retired.
Don’t put off retirement if you can afford to go at 60yo - even though men Andy’s age have a life expectancy of about 79 years their healthy life expectancy is much less - about 68 years for old Aussie blokes. Retire while you can still enjoy it.
