Tributes pour in for legendary broadcaster Tim Bowden after his passing at 87
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A beloved figure in Australian broadcasting has sadly passed away, leaving behind a rich legacy that has touched the lives of many across the nation.
Known for his pioneering work and memorable presence on both radio and television, this icon's contributions have forever shaped the media landscape.
As tributes pour in from all corners, his impact and influence on the industry will be remembered and celebrated for years to come.
Tributes are flooding in for a well-known television and radio veteran, hailed as one of the ABC's ‘pre-eminent journalists’.
Tim Bowden, who died peacefully at the age of 87, is a recognisable figure to many Australians thanks to his long and storied career with the national broadcaster.
He joined ABC's Radio Drama and Features Department in 1975 and went on to create a series of successful documentaries.
Tim also went on to establish Radio National's Social History Unit and became the host of the programs Talking History and That's History during the mid-1980s.
However, it was the television show Backchat, which aired from 1986 to 1994, that Bowden became most renowned for.
He hosted the program, responding to letters from ABC viewers.
ABC Managing Director David Anderson was among the first to lead the flood of tributes.
‘(Tim was) a storyteller whose curiosity for the world around him was valued by so many of our audiences,’ he said.
‘Tim was part of the generation of ABC journalists who brought those events and their meaning into Australian homes every night.’
Bowden's passing triggered a wave of sorrow from fans and former colleagues nationwide.
Mike Carlton shared on social media that he was ‘deeply saddened’ to learn of the passing of his ‘old mate’ and ‘colleague’.
‘Wise and witty, enormously good company, a great journalist of the old school,’ he added.
‘Vale Tim Bowden - ABC Journalist, Foreign correspondent, Backchat host. Also a Tasmanian treasure,’ ABC radio host Sabra Lane wrote.
‘Incredibly sad to hear. His book about Neil Davis, One Crowded Hour, is a masterpiece,’ author Daniel Best said.
‘I still revisit it from time to time. Mr Bowden was a rare writer, one who put the story first, and rightly so. May he rest easy, and I'm sure he's sharing a laugh with Neil.’
‘Absolutely gutted at the news of Tim Bowden passing. I'm a big fan, and any episode of Backchat found is a good day for me,’ a fan lamented.
Born in Hobart, the broadcaster earned an arts degree before working with the BBC's General Overseas Service in London from 1960 to 1962.
At the BBC, Bowden served with the Pacific Service as both a radio interviewer and producer.
Upon returning to Australia in 1963, he joined the ABC in Tasmania, where he worked in both radio and television.
Bowden later became a correspondent in Asia and North America during the turbulent mid-to-late 1960s, bringing crucial events to the attention of Australians.
He then shifted back to production, becoming the first executive producer of PM, a current affairs program on ABC radio in 1969.
Bowden also created remarkable documentaries on Australian research in Antarctica, with the footage still being aired today.
His talents extended beyond broadcasting—he authored an impressive 15 books, including One Crowded Hour—Neil Davis, Combat Cameraman, 1934-85 in 1987 and The Changi Camera in 2012.
Mr Anderson stated that the journalist was ‘part of the fabric of the ABC for decades’ and made a ‘huge contribution’ not only to the ABC but to the entire nation.
‘He was generous to his colleagues and was known as much for his sense of humour as his passion for journalism and the ABC,’ he said.
‘Our condolences go to Tim's family and many friends and colleagues.’
In 1994, Bowden was honoured with an Order of Australia for his contributions to public broadcasting.
The Seniors Discount Club invites you to share your memories and tributes to Tim Bowden in the comments below. Let us celebrate the life of a man who was not only a groundbreaker in broadcasting but also a cherished voice in the lives of many Australians.
Were you a fan of Tim Bowden? What do you think was his most notable contribution to the field of journalism? Share your stories in the comments below.
Known for his pioneering work and memorable presence on both radio and television, this icon's contributions have forever shaped the media landscape.
As tributes pour in from all corners, his impact and influence on the industry will be remembered and celebrated for years to come.
Tributes are flooding in for a well-known television and radio veteran, hailed as one of the ABC's ‘pre-eminent journalists’.
Tim Bowden, who died peacefully at the age of 87, is a recognisable figure to many Australians thanks to his long and storied career with the national broadcaster.
He joined ABC's Radio Drama and Features Department in 1975 and went on to create a series of successful documentaries.
Australian broadcasting icon Tim Bowden has passed away at 87. Credit: Facebook / The Late Show
Tim also went on to establish Radio National's Social History Unit and became the host of the programs Talking History and That's History during the mid-1980s.
However, it was the television show Backchat, which aired from 1986 to 1994, that Bowden became most renowned for.
He hosted the program, responding to letters from ABC viewers.
ABC Managing Director David Anderson was among the first to lead the flood of tributes.
‘(Tim was) a storyteller whose curiosity for the world around him was valued by so many of our audiences,’ he said.
‘Tim was part of the generation of ABC journalists who brought those events and their meaning into Australian homes every night.’
Bowden's passing triggered a wave of sorrow from fans and former colleagues nationwide.
Mike Carlton shared on social media that he was ‘deeply saddened’ to learn of the passing of his ‘old mate’ and ‘colleague’.
‘Wise and witty, enormously good company, a great journalist of the old school,’ he added.
‘Vale Tim Bowden - ABC Journalist, Foreign correspondent, Backchat host. Also a Tasmanian treasure,’ ABC radio host Sabra Lane wrote.
‘Incredibly sad to hear. His book about Neil Davis, One Crowded Hour, is a masterpiece,’ author Daniel Best said.
‘I still revisit it from time to time. Mr Bowden was a rare writer, one who put the story first, and rightly so. May he rest easy, and I'm sure he's sharing a laugh with Neil.’
‘Absolutely gutted at the news of Tim Bowden passing. I'm a big fan, and any episode of Backchat found is a good day for me,’ a fan lamented.
Born in Hobart, the broadcaster earned an arts degree before working with the BBC's General Overseas Service in London from 1960 to 1962.
At the BBC, Bowden served with the Pacific Service as both a radio interviewer and producer.
Upon returning to Australia in 1963, he joined the ABC in Tasmania, where he worked in both radio and television.
Bowden later became a correspondent in Asia and North America during the turbulent mid-to-late 1960s, bringing crucial events to the attention of Australians.
He then shifted back to production, becoming the first executive producer of PM, a current affairs program on ABC radio in 1969.
Bowden also created remarkable documentaries on Australian research in Antarctica, with the footage still being aired today.
His talents extended beyond broadcasting—he authored an impressive 15 books, including One Crowded Hour—Neil Davis, Combat Cameraman, 1934-85 in 1987 and The Changi Camera in 2012.
Mr Anderson stated that the journalist was ‘part of the fabric of the ABC for decades’ and made a ‘huge contribution’ not only to the ABC but to the entire nation.
‘He was generous to his colleagues and was known as much for his sense of humour as his passion for journalism and the ABC,’ he said.
‘Our condolences go to Tim's family and many friends and colleagues.’
In 1994, Bowden was honoured with an Order of Australia for his contributions to public broadcasting.
Were you a fan of Tim Bowden? What do you think was his most notable contribution to the field of journalism? Share your stories in the comments below.
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