To put it in perspective, 10,000 news bulletins is roughly equivalent to reading the news every single day for 27 years straight.
The Nine News Melbourne favourite has been counting down to the bulletin on Sunday night (October 5), his 10,000th after an incredible five decades on Aussie TV.
For Peter Hitchener—affectionately known as 'Hitch' to generations of Melbourne viewers—this extraordinary milestone represents something even more significant: a lifetime dedicated to bringing Australians the news that shapes their world, delivered with the steady reliability that has made him a household name.
'This is an achievement I never dreamed possible' when he started out in radio as a teenager, says the 78-year-old newsreader, who marked this historic moment with characteristic humility and warmth.
The man who chose his tie with viewer help
In typical Hitch fashion, the milestone wasn't just about the numbers—it was about connection. Peter Hitchener will celebrate his 10,000th news bulletin tonight — and true to form, he's once again asked viewers to help him choose the perfect tie for the big occasion.
This charming tradition speaks to something deeper about Hitchener's approach to broadcasting. For six decades, he's understood that reading the news isn't just about delivering information—it's about building trust, one bulletin at a time.
'Every tie is your lucky tie, Hitch!'
Fans have flooded the comments with support and suggestions, with one writing 'Every tie is your lucky tie, Hitch!' and another calling him 'a national treasure who never misses a beat.'
From Queensland country radio to Melbourne icon
Originally from Texas in outback Queensland, Hitchener began his media career in 1965 at the Brisbane radio station 4BH where he wrote, edited and presented news bulletins. It was humble beginnings for someone who would become one of Australia's most recognisable voices.
The journey from that small Queensland radio station to Melbourne's living rooms wasn't straightforward. Hitchener then moved on to ABC Brisbane, where he undertook roles as a television news and radio presenter. Still at the ABC, he moved to Sydney in 1973, where he was a relief presenter on the evening news for James Dibble.
Peter Hitchener's career milestones
- 1965: Started at 4BH Brisbane radio
- 1973: Joined ABC Sydney as relief presenter for James Dibble
- 1974: Moved to Nine Network Melbourne
- 1998: Became chief weeknight anchor at Nine News Melbourne
- 2024: Transitioned to weekend bulletins
- October 2024: Reached 10,000 bulletin milestone
Hitchener moved to the Nine Network after one year at ABC Sydney, presenting National Nine News first in Sydney and then in Melbourne as the co-anchor of News Centre Nine, with Brian Henderson co-anchoring in Sydney.
But it was Melbourne where Hitchener truly found his home. He was chief news presenter of Nine News Melbourne from 1998 until 2023. For 25 years, he was the voice Melburnians turned to for the day's most important stories.
A graceful transition to weekends
The much-loved newsreader fronts Nine's weekend news after recently wrapping up decades as the network's weeknight anchor from 1998. This transition, announced in late 2023, could have marked the end of an era. Instead, it's become a new chapter.
'I am thrilled to be able to continue reading the news for Nine. I love this job, which has always been a privilege,' says legendary anchor Peter Hitchener as he moves to weekend bulletins.
The decision to move Hitchener to weekends wasn't about retirement—it was about recognising his enduring value while making room for the next generation. Alicia and Tom will bring a fresh dynamism to Melbourne viewers as they follow in the footsteps of Sir Eric Pearce, Brian Naylor and Peter Hitchener.
Peter Hitchener's honours and community work
Peter Donald Beauchamp Hitchener OAM (born 21 February 1946) is an Australian television presenter with a 52-year career with the Nine Network and 60 years of news broadcasting experience.
His OAM (Order of Australia Medal) recognises his significant contribution to Australian broadcasting.
In 1998, Hitchener became the patron and active supporter of Able Australia (formerly the Deaf Blind Society of Victoria), an organisation supporting people with multiple disabilities.
More than just a newsreader
What sets Hitchener apart isn't just his longevity—it's his consistency in an industry notorious for change. His years of experience show as no one else comes close on his perfect delivery of each news story.
This consistency became particularly poignant in March 2021, when viewers witnessed a rare moment of vulnerability. On 29 March 2021, Hitchener was reading the news bulletin when he suddenly fell ill and was unable to read the teleprompter, causing him to go home mid-broadcast. Hitchener was subsequently revealed to have been suffering a migraine, and was replaced by Alicia Loxley for the following night's bulletin.
That incident, handled with grace and professionalism, only reinforced what Melbourne viewers had always known—that Hitch was human, approachable, and genuinely cared about doing his job properly.
The voice of Melbourne through changing times
Hitchener, 77, has celebrated 50 years with the Nine network, anchoring longer than his predecessors Brian Naylor and Sir Eric Pearce. This achievement places him in rarefied company among Australian broadcasting legends.
Consider what 10,000 bulletins really represents: countless major stories, from local Melbourne news to global events, natural disasters, elections, sporting triumphs, and community celebrations. Through it all, Hitchener has been the steady voice guiding viewers through the most significant moments of their lives.
Love that we still get to see him on the weekends. This sentiment, echoed by countless viewers, speaks to something deeper than mere familiarity. It's about trust, consistency, and the comfort of knowing that some things remain reliable in an uncertain world.
Source: 9News Australia / Youtube.
A national treasure's enduring legacy
It's a fitting celebration for one of Australia's most enduring broadcasters — and a reminder of why viewers have welcomed him into their homes for so many years.
The 10,000-bulletin milestone isn't just a number—it's a testament to the power of authentic communication. In an era where news delivery has become increasingly sensationalised, Hitchener's approach remains refreshingly straightforward: tell the story, tell it accurately, and treat viewers with respect.
Did you know?
Did you know?
The average television news bulletin contains approximately 15-20 individual stories. This means Peter Hitchener has delivered roughly 150,000 to 200,000 individual news stories over his career—equivalent to reading a different news story every day for over 400 years!
His influence extends beyond the newsroom. In 1998, Hitchener became the patron and active supporter of Able Australia (formerly the Deaf Blind Society of Victoria), an organisation supporting people with multiple disabilities. This commitment to community service reflects the values that have made him such a beloved figure.
What the future holds
As Hitchener settles into his weekend role, there's no sense of winding down. Hugh Nailon, Director of 9News Melbourne, said: 'We're delighted that Hitch will continue to be a valuable and much loved part of the 9News Melbourne family. He has an unwavering passion for delivering news to Melbourne and we look forward to the wealth of experience he will continue to bring to our weekend broadcasts.'
The transition to weekends may actually be perfect timing. Weekend news often allows for more in-depth coverage and less breaking news pressure—exactly the environment where Hitchener's experience and measured approach can shine brightest.
For Melbourne viewers, particularly those who remember when Hitchener first took the anchor chair in 1998, this milestone is deeply personal. He's been the voice that's informed them about their children's school closures during emergencies, celebrated their sporting victories, and helped them understand complex political developments.
The fact that he's asking viewers to help choose his tie for such a momentous occasion perfectly encapsulates why Peter Hitchener has remained so beloved. After 10,000 bulletins, he's still thinking about his audience first.
As he settles in to read bulletin number 10,001 next weekend, Melbourne can rest assured that their most trusted news voice isn't going anywhere. And knowing Hitch, he'll probably ask for help choosing the tie for that one too.
What are your favourite memories of watching Peter Hitchener over the years? Share your thoughts about Melbourne's most enduring newsreader in the comments below.
Original Article
https://tvtonight.com.au/2025/10/th...-peter-hitchener-reaches-10000-bulletins.html
Nine newsreader Peter Hitchener to read his 10,000th bulletin
Cited text: The Nine News Melbourne favourite has been counting down to the bulletin on Sunday night (October 5), his 10,000th after an incredible five decades on...
Excerpt: The Nine News Melbourne favourite has been counting down to the bulletin on Sunday night (October 5), his 10,000th after an incredible five decades on Aussie TV.
https://qnews.com.au/nine-newsreader-peter-hitchener-to-read-his-10000th-bulletin/
PETER HITCHENER to read 10,000th bulletin tonight on 9 News Melbourne—TV Blackbox
Cited text: Hitchener wrote that reaching the milestone was an achievement he “never dreamed possible” when he started out in radio as a teenager, adding: “This i...
Excerpt: 'This is an achievement I never dreamed possible' when he started out in radio as a teenager
https://tvblackbox.com.au/page/2025...10000th-bulletin-tonight-on-9-news-melbourne/
PETER HITCHENER to read 10,000th bulletin tonight on 9 News Melbourne—TV Blackbox
Cited text: Peter Hitchener will celebrate his 10,000th news bulletin tonight — and true to form, he’s once again asked viewers to help him choose the perfect tie...
Excerpt: Peter Hitchener will celebrate his 10,000th news bulletin tonight — and true to form, he's once again asked viewers to help him choose the perfect tie for the big occasion.
https://tvblackbox.com.au/page/2025...10000th-bulletin-tonight-on-9-news-melbourne/
PETER HITCHENER to read 10,000th bulletin tonight on 9 News Melbourne—TV Blackbox
Cited text: Fans have flooded the comments with support and suggestions, with one writing “Every tie is your lucky tie, Hitch!” and another calling him “a nationa...
Excerpt: Fans have flooded the comments with support and suggestions, with one writing 'Every tie is your lucky tie, Hitch!' and another calling him 'a national treasure who never misses a beat.'
https://tvblackbox.com.au/page/2025...10000th-bulletin-tonight-on-9-news-melbourne/
Peter Hitchener—Wikipedia
Cited text: Originally from Texas in outback Queensland, Hitchener began his media career in 1965 at the Brisbane radio station 4BH where he wrote, edited and pre...
Excerpt: Originally from Texas in outback Queensland, Hitchener began his media career in 1965 at the Brisbane radio station 4BH where he wrote, edited and presented news bulletins.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Hitchener
Peter Hitchener—Wikipedia
Cited text: Hitchener then moved on to ABC Brisbane, where he undertook roles as a television news and radio presenter. Still at the ABC, he moved to Sydney in 19...
Excerpt: Hitchener then moved on to ABC Brisbane, where he undertook roles as a television news and radio presenter.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Hitchener
Peter Hitchener—Wikipedia
Cited text: Hitchener moved to the Nine Network after one year at ABC Sydney, presenting National Nine News first in Sydney and then in Melbourne as the co-anchor...
Excerpt: Hitchener moved to the Nine Network after one year at ABC Sydney, presenting National Nine News first in Sydney and then in Melbourne as the co-anchor of News Centre Nine, with Brian Henderson co-anchoring in Sydney.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Hitchener
Peter Hitchener—Wikipedia
Cited text: He was chief news presenter of Nine News Melbourne from 1998 until 2023.
Excerpt: He was chief news presenter of Nine News Melbourne from 1998 until 2023.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Hitchener
Nine newsreader Peter Hitchener to read his 10,000th bulletin
Cited text: The much-loved newsreader fronts Nine’s weekend news after recently wrapping up decades as the network’s weeknight anchor from 1998.
Excerpt: The much-loved newsreader fronts Nine's weekend news after recently wrapping up decades as the network's weeknight anchor from 1998.
https://qnews.com.au/nine-newsreader-peter-hitchener-to-read-his-10000th-bulletin/
Nine News announces new Melbourne anchors, Alicia Loxley & Tom Steinfort. | TV Tonight
Cited text: “I am thrilled to be able to continue reading the news for Nine. I love this job, which has always been a privilege," says legendary anchor Peter...
Excerpt: 'I am thrilled to be able to continue reading the news for Nine. I love this job, which has always been a privilege,' says legendary anchor Peter Hitchener as he moves to weekend bulletins.
https://tvtonight.com.au/2023/11/ni...urne-anchors-alicia-loxley-tom-steinfort.html
Nine News announces new Melbourne anchors, Alicia Loxley & Tom Steinfort. | TV Tonight
Cited text: Alicia and Tom will bring a fresh dynamism to Melbourne viewers as they follow in the footsteps of Sir Eric Pearce, Brian Naylor and Peter Hitchener.
Excerpt: Alicia and Tom will bring a fresh dynamism to Melbourne viewers as they follow in the footsteps of Sir Eric Pearce, Brian Naylor and Peter Hitchener.
https://tvtonight.com.au/2023/11/ni...urne-anchors-alicia-loxley-tom-steinfort.html
Peter Hitchener—Wikipedia
Cited text: Peter Donald Beauchamp Hitchener OAM (born 21 February 1946) is an Australian television presenter with a 52-year career with the Nine Network and 60 ...
Excerpt: Peter Donald Beauchamp Hitchener OAM (born 21 February 1946) is an Australian television presenter with a 52-year career with the Nine Network and 60 years of news broadcasting experience.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Hitchener
Peter Hitchener—Wikipedia
Cited text: In 1998, Hitchener became the patron and active supporter of Able Australia (formerly the Deaf Blind Society of Victoria), an organisation supporting ...
Excerpt: In 1998, Hitchener became the patron and active supporter of Able Australia (formerly the Deaf Blind Society of Victoria), an organisation supporting people with multiple disabilities.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Hitchener
'This achievement I never dreamed possible': Peter Hitchener reaches 10,000 bulletins | TV Tonight
Cited text: His years of experience show as no one else comes close on his perfect delivery of each news story.
Excerpt: His years of experience show as no one else comes close on his perfect delivery of each news story.
https://tvtonight.com.au/2025/10/th...-peter-hitchener-reaches-10000-bulletins.html
Peter Hitchener—Wikipedia
Cited text: On 29 March 2021, Hitchener was reading the news bulletin when he suddenly fell ill and was unable to read the teleprompter, causing him to go home mi...
Excerpt: On 29 March 2021, Hitchener was reading the news bulletin when he suddenly fell ill and was unable to read the teleprompter, causing him to go home mid-broadcast.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Hitchener
Nine News announces new Melbourne anchors, Alicia Loxley & Tom Steinfort. | TV Tonight
Cited text: Hitchener, 77, has celebrated 50 years with the Nine network, anchoring longer than his predecessors Brian Naylor and Sir Eric Pearce.
Excerpt: Hitchener, 77, has celebrated 50 years with the Nine network, anchoring longer than his predecessors Brian Naylor and Sir Eric Pearce.
https://tvtonight.com.au/2023/11/ni...urne-anchors-alicia-loxley-tom-steinfort.html
'This achievement I never dreamed possible': Peter Hitchener reaches 10,000 bulletins | TV Tonight
Cited text: Love that we still get to see him on the weekends.
Excerpt: Love that we still get to see him on the weekends.
https://tvtonight.com.au/2025/10/th...-peter-hitchener-reaches-10000-bulletins.html
Nine News announces new Melbourne anchors, Alicia Loxley & Tom Steinfort. | TV Tonight
Cited text: We have big plans for 2024 and look forward to bringing viewers the most accurate and informative news that they have come to rely on from 9News.” · H...
Excerpt: Hugh Nailon, Director of 9News Melbourne, said: 'We're delighted that Hitch will continue to be a valuable and much loved part of the 9News Melbourne family.
https://tvtonight.com.au/2023/11/ni...urne-anchors-alicia-loxley-tom-steinfort.html
Seniors Discount Club
Latest Articles
-
-
-
Melbourne's long-awaited Metro Tunnel to open in December, premier says
- Started by ABC News
- Replies: 0
-
The great retirement gap: Why do women continue to get such a raw deal?
- Started by Kaye Fallick
- Replies: 1
-
Potato shortage hits as South Australian growers struggle with extreme weather
- Started by ABC News
- Replies: 5
.png){kind=icon}
congratulations
