End of an era: Peter Hitchener bids farewell to Nine's bulletin—Find out who's replacing him!
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Renowned broadcaster Peter Hitchener has fulfilled many people’s evenings with insightful bulletins for 25 years.
Unfortunately, for those who have formed a habit of tuning into Nine News Melbourne’s evening news, Hitchener, affectionately known as 'Hitch', will no longer grace the weeknight screens.
Hitch, one of the longest-serving broadcasters in Australian television at 77 years old, has been an irreplaceable presence since landing the anchor role for Nine News Melbourne’s weeknight bulletin back in 1998.
However, the veteran newsreader recently announced that he was stepping down from his position. But fear not, Hitch isn’t retiring.
From 2024, he'll transition to host weekend news, keeping everyone informed and entertained throughout Saturday and Sunday.
Nine News Melbourne’s News Director, Hugh Nailon, 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,’ he added.
The announcement was met with shock and relief from Hitch’s regular viewers and colleagues. Michael Rowland, an ABC presenter, posted on social media: ‘Peter has been a mainstay of TV news in Melbourne for decades and is, without a doubt, the nicest man on TV!’
‘I’m really glad Peter Hitchener is staying on for weekends, and I look forward to [continuing] tuning in to Australia’s longest-ever serving newsreader,’ one viewer shared.
‘Massive shoes to fill by whoever gets the weekdays. Over the many years, the nightly news in my mind [has] been dominated by Brian Naylor and Peter Hichener,’ another social media user wrote.
So, who will fill the vacant spots on the weeknight bulletins? The Nine Network has revealed in a social media post that journalists Tom Steinfort and Alicia Loxley are the chosen successors.
This significant alteration marks only the fourth instance of a shake-up in the 6 p.m. slot in the history of the bulletin.
Celebrating the new line-up, Nailon stated, '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.'
However, the network’s post about the new broadcasters was not without criticism. One viewer pointed out, ‘Would have been far more respectful had Nine’s press release announced Peter Hitchener’s intention to step down at the end of the year instead of promoting his replacements.’
‘What a terrible way for Channel 9 to announce that Peter Hitchener is leaving the weeknight news role,’ another wrote.
While many know and recognise Hitchener as Nine News Melbourne's weekday newsreader, the broadcaster's illustrious career, astonishingly, dates back to 1965.
Kickstarting his career in radio station 4BH in Brisbane, he spent six eventful years with ABC before commencing his career with Channel Nine in 1979. Throughout five fruitful decades with the network, he commanded global attention for his unshakeable calmness during live broadcasts.
A particular incident involving an unexpected seagull 'bombardment' had international audiences singing his praises.
The dedicated newsreader has had his share of health concerns. In March 2021, a sudden illness (later identified as a migraine) forced him to exit the news desk mid-show, causing considerable concern from loyal viewers. Consequently, Hitchener reduced his workload, stepping back from the Friday evening bulletin.
We from the Seniors Discount Club look forward to Hitch's weekend news and wish the new weekday team all the very best.
What are your thoughts on Peter Hitchener’s new move, members? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Unfortunately, for those who have formed a habit of tuning into Nine News Melbourne’s evening news, Hitchener, affectionately known as 'Hitch', will no longer grace the weeknight screens.
Hitch, one of the longest-serving broadcasters in Australian television at 77 years old, has been an irreplaceable presence since landing the anchor role for Nine News Melbourne’s weeknight bulletin back in 1998.
However, the veteran newsreader recently announced that he was stepping down from his position. But fear not, Hitch isn’t retiring.
Peter Hitchener is leaving Nine News Melbourne’s weeknight bulletin after 25 years. Credit: @mjrowland68/X (Twitter)
From 2024, he'll transition to host weekend news, keeping everyone informed and entertained throughout Saturday and Sunday.
Nine News Melbourne’s News Director, Hugh Nailon, 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,’ he added.
The announcement was met with shock and relief from Hitch’s regular viewers and colleagues. Michael Rowland, an ABC presenter, posted on social media: ‘Peter has been a mainstay of TV news in Melbourne for decades and is, without a doubt, the nicest man on TV!’
‘I’m really glad Peter Hitchener is staying on for weekends, and I look forward to [continuing] tuning in to Australia’s longest-ever serving newsreader,’ one viewer shared.
‘Massive shoes to fill by whoever gets the weekdays. Over the many years, the nightly news in my mind [has] been dominated by Brian Naylor and Peter Hichener,’ another social media user wrote.
So, who will fill the vacant spots on the weeknight bulletins? The Nine Network has revealed in a social media post that journalists Tom Steinfort and Alicia Loxley are the chosen successors.
This significant alteration marks only the fourth instance of a shake-up in the 6 p.m. slot in the history of the bulletin.
Celebrating the new line-up, Nailon stated, '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.'
However, the network’s post about the new broadcasters was not without criticism. One viewer pointed out, ‘Would have been far more respectful had Nine’s press release announced Peter Hitchener’s intention to step down at the end of the year instead of promoting his replacements.’
‘What a terrible way for Channel 9 to announce that Peter Hitchener is leaving the weeknight news role,’ another wrote.
Source: X (Twitter)
While many know and recognise Hitchener as Nine News Melbourne's weekday newsreader, the broadcaster's illustrious career, astonishingly, dates back to 1965.
Kickstarting his career in radio station 4BH in Brisbane, he spent six eventful years with ABC before commencing his career with Channel Nine in 1979. Throughout five fruitful decades with the network, he commanded global attention for his unshakeable calmness during live broadcasts.
A particular incident involving an unexpected seagull 'bombardment' had international audiences singing his praises.
The dedicated newsreader has had his share of health concerns. In March 2021, a sudden illness (later identified as a migraine) forced him to exit the news desk mid-show, causing considerable concern from loyal viewers. Consequently, Hitchener reduced his workload, stepping back from the Friday evening bulletin.
We from the Seniors Discount Club look forward to Hitch's weekend news and wish the new weekday team all the very best.
What are your thoughts on Peter Hitchener’s new move, members? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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