ABC legend steps away from broadcasting after 3 decades
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Karen Tighe, a beloved figure in Australian broadcasting, has made the heart-wrenching decision to step away from her illustrious career at the ABC.
After a 30-year tenure marked by groundbreaking achievements and a relentless passion for sports journalism,
Tighe is now facing a different kind of challenge: a life-threatening brain condition that has already exacted a devastating toll on her memory.
Tighe's journey in the broadcasting industry began in 1989 when she joined ABC as a sports researcher, presenter, and broadcaster.
Over the years, she became a familiar and trusted voice for sports enthusiasts across the nation, covering everything from local games to international championships.
However, in March 2020, Tighe's life took an unexpected turn when she was hospitalised with viral encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain.
This condition can lead to symptoms ranging from fever and headache to severe complications like memory loss, seizures, and even death.
For Tighe, the impact of the disease was profound.
She found herself unable to recall basic personal information such as her address, date of birth, or even the names of her husband and son.
This memory loss, particularly affecting her short-term recall, forced her to step down from her role on Grandstand.
In an interview, Tighe described the experience as the most challenging thing she had ever gone through.
'I've always been a really positive person, but this has been probably the most challenging thing that I've ever gone through, and it's something that just came completely out of the blue,' she said.
Despite recognising sports teams, world leaders, and even the Prime Minister, Tighe struggled to recall their names.
'My short-term memory is absolutely shot, and that's the really awful thing. It's the weirdest feeling,’ she said.
Numerous highlights marked Tighe's career at the ABC.
From 1991 to 1994, she was part of Andrew Denton's sport comedy show Live and Sweaty.
She also served as a TV sports presenter for the ABC, starring on the weeknight news in Perth for six years.
In 1997, she transitioned from TV to radio, working on the national weekend sports program Grandstand.
Her contributions to sports journalism were recognised when she made history by becoming the first person to win the Sport Australia Media Award twice, in 2000 and 2001.
In 2020, she was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Sports Australia Media Awards.
Despite the challenges she faces, Tighe remains grateful for the experiences and opportunities she had during her time at the ABC.
'ABC TV and then Radio Sport have been my working home since March 1989 after the combination of a letter and little piece to camera on a VHS I had posted to then head of ABC TV Sport David Salter asking for a job,' she said.
'I will forever be grateful for all the experiences and opportunities I have had in my time both in Sydney and all that was set up for me when marriage took me to Perth in 2001.'
Aside from Tighe, former ABC broadcaster Karina Carvalho stepped down from her role after her 17-year tenure with the national broadcaster last December.
Her decision to leave is not made in haste but a thoughtful step towards exploring new opportunities.
'Now is the right time to venture into the next phase of my career, and I’m excited to see what’s around the corner,' Carvalho stated, signalling her readiness to embrace the future with open arms.
As we bid farewell to Karen Tighe from the broadcasting world, we wish her strength and resilience in her battle against this formidable condition. Her courage and determination are an inspiration to us all.
Are you a fan of hers? Do you have any favourite segments or memories of her as a broadcaster? Share your stories in the comments below!
After a 30-year tenure marked by groundbreaking achievements and a relentless passion for sports journalism,
Tighe is now facing a different kind of challenge: a life-threatening brain condition that has already exacted a devastating toll on her memory.
Tighe's journey in the broadcasting industry began in 1989 when she joined ABC as a sports researcher, presenter, and broadcaster.
Over the years, she became a familiar and trusted voice for sports enthusiasts across the nation, covering everything from local games to international championships.
ABC broadcaster Karen Tighe announced she is leaving ABC due to a health battle. Credit: @karentighe / Twitter
However, in March 2020, Tighe's life took an unexpected turn when she was hospitalised with viral encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain.
This condition can lead to symptoms ranging from fever and headache to severe complications like memory loss, seizures, and even death.
For Tighe, the impact of the disease was profound.
She found herself unable to recall basic personal information such as her address, date of birth, or even the names of her husband and son.
This memory loss, particularly affecting her short-term recall, forced her to step down from her role on Grandstand.
In an interview, Tighe described the experience as the most challenging thing she had ever gone through.
'I've always been a really positive person, but this has been probably the most challenging thing that I've ever gone through, and it's something that just came completely out of the blue,' she said.
Despite recognising sports teams, world leaders, and even the Prime Minister, Tighe struggled to recall their names.
'My short-term memory is absolutely shot, and that's the really awful thing. It's the weirdest feeling,’ she said.
Numerous highlights marked Tighe's career at the ABC.
From 1991 to 1994, she was part of Andrew Denton's sport comedy show Live and Sweaty.
She also served as a TV sports presenter for the ABC, starring on the weeknight news in Perth for six years.
In 1997, she transitioned from TV to radio, working on the national weekend sports program Grandstand.
Her contributions to sports journalism were recognised when she made history by becoming the first person to win the Sport Australia Media Award twice, in 2000 and 2001.
In 2020, she was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Sports Australia Media Awards.
Despite the challenges she faces, Tighe remains grateful for the experiences and opportunities she had during her time at the ABC.
'ABC TV and then Radio Sport have been my working home since March 1989 after the combination of a letter and little piece to camera on a VHS I had posted to then head of ABC TV Sport David Salter asking for a job,' she said.
'I will forever be grateful for all the experiences and opportunities I have had in my time both in Sydney and all that was set up for me when marriage took me to Perth in 2001.'
Aside from Tighe, former ABC broadcaster Karina Carvalho stepped down from her role after her 17-year tenure with the national broadcaster last December.
Her decision to leave is not made in haste but a thoughtful step towards exploring new opportunities.
'Now is the right time to venture into the next phase of my career, and I’m excited to see what’s around the corner,' Carvalho stated, signalling her readiness to embrace the future with open arms.
Are you a fan of hers? Do you have any favourite segments or memories of her as a broadcaster? Share your stories in the comments below!
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Jeez.
