Obituary – Death – Cause of death News :

Remembering George Negus: A Trailblazer in Australian Television Journalism

George Negus, a pioneer in Australian television current affairs journalism, passed away at the age of 82. He was a prominent figure in the industry, known for his fearless and irreverent approach to public-interest journalism. Negus first gained recognition as part of the team behind the groundbreaking ABC TV program, This Day Tonight, alongside other household names like Bill Peach, Peter Luck, Gerald Stone, and Mike Willesee.

Throughout his career, Negus was unafraid to tackle controversial topics and challenge authority. His work on This Day Tonight often ruffled feathers within the ABC management, setting the stage for his reputation as a journalist unafraid to speak truth to power.

Negus’s career spanned several iconic programs, including 60 Minutes, Foreign Correspondent, and Dateline. He was known for his in-depth reporting on international issues, particularly in the Middle East. In 2004, he authored a bestselling book defending Islam against stereotypes of violence.

Despite his professional success, Negus was described as approachable and down-to-earth by colleagues. His ability to connect with viewers through storytelling and fair reporting set him apart as a gifted journalist.

In 2015, Negus was honored with a Member of the Order of Australia for his contributions to media and environmental conservation. He is survived by his partner, Kirsty, and two sons, Ned and Serge.

George Negus leaves behind a legacy of journalistic integrity and fearless reporting that will continue to inspire future generations of journalists. He will be remembered not only for his accomplishments in the field but also for his warm personality and approachable nature.

How did George Negus make his mark in Australian television journalism?

George Negus, who has died at the age of 82, belonged to the nomenclatura of Australian television current affairs journalism. He first came to prominence as a member of the team that produced the groundbreaking nightly ABC TV current affairs program, This Day Tonight.

What were some of the key moments in George Negus’ career?

During the term of the Whitlam government, he became press secretary to the attorney-general, Lionel Murphy. He leaked to the media Murphy’s plan to raid the headquarters of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) in 1973 because Murphy believed the agency was withholding from him information about domestic terrorism. In 1979 he joined the founding team of the Nine Network’s 60 Minutes program, and in 1992 he became the founding host of ABC TV’s Foreign Correspondent program.

How did George Negus approach his work as a journalist?

This kind of fearless, sometimes irreverent, public-interest journalism was meat and drink to Negus. He practised it from both sides of the chasm that traditionally separates journalists from political staffers. He developed a reputation as a well-informed and courageous reporter specialising in the Middle East and defended Islam against stereotypes.

What controversies did George Negus face during his career?

In 2012, Negus and a fellow panellist on the Ten network show The Circle, Yumi Stynes, became embroiled in a controversy concerning remarks they made about Ben Roberts-Smith, many years before he was found by a federal court judge to have committed war crimes. There was severe public blowback on Negus and Stynes, who then apologised to Roberts-Smith.

How was George Negus remembered by those who worked with him?

Nehida Barakat and Nicole Chvastek, who worked with him, described Negus as disarmingly approachable and a big star who generated an air of excitement. His down-to-earth approach to storytelling and fairmindedness on the issues he reported on marked him out as an unusually gifted journalist.

What was George Negus’ legacy in the field of journalism?

He is survived by his partner, Kirsty, and two sons, Ned and Serge. The family released a statement saying he had “passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones after a gracious decline from Alzheimer’s disease, all the while with his trademark smile.” In 2015 he was made a Member of the Order of Australia for services to media and environmental conservation.

George Negus’ Early Career

George Negus first gained prominence as a member of the team behind the groundbreaking ABC TV current affairs program, This Day Tonight. The team included notable personalities such as presenter Bill Peach and reporters Peter Luck, Gerald Stone, and Mike Willesee. This program was known for its fearless and sometimes irreverent public-interest journalism, which Negus excelled at.

Transition to Television Journalism

In 1979, Negus joined the founding team of the Nine Network’s 60 Minutes program, working alongside other well-known journalists like Ray Martin, Ian Leslie, and Jana Wendt. Later, in 1992, he became the founding host of ABC TV’s Foreign Correspondent program, where he established himself as a well-informed and courageous reporter, particularly focusing on the Middle East.

Authorship and Broadcasting Career

In 2004, Negus published a bestselling book titled “The World from Islam: A Journey of Discovery through the Muslim Heartland,” where he defended Islam against common stereotypes of violence. Following this, he became the host of the SBS program Dateline in 2005 and later hosted 6.30 with George Negus on the Ten network starting in 2011.

Controversy and Apologies

In 2012, Negus, along with fellow panellist Yumi Stynes on The Circle, was involved in a controversy regarding remarks made about Ben Roberts-Smith, who was later found to have committed war crimes. This incident led to public blowback on Negus and Stynes, prompting them to apologize to Roberts-Smith. Major Australian newspapers also issued apologies for misconstruing the original remarks.

Recognition and Legacy

In 2015, Negus was honored as a Member of the Order of Australia for his contributions to media and environmental conservation. Despite his knockabout image, colleagues described him as disarmingly approachable, with a down-to-earth storytelling approach that resonated well with viewers. Negus’ fairmindedness in reporting on various issues showcased his exceptional journalistic talents.

Personal Life and Passing

George Negus is survived by his partner, Kirsty, and their two sons, Ned and Serge. He passed away peacefully after a battle with Alzheimer’s disease, leaving behind a legacy of impactful journalism and storytelling that endeared him to many.

Sources

Denis Muller, Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Advancing Journalism, The University of Melbourne

I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of a beloved individual who had touched the lives of so many. The family’s statement, revealing that he had passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones after a gracious decline from Alzheimer’s disease, truly tugs at the heartstrings. It’s comforting to know that he was surrounded by those who cared for him during his final moments, and that he maintained his trademark smile even through such a difficult time.

Alzheimer’s disease is a cruel and devastating illness that affects not only the individual suffering from it, but also their loved ones. The gradual decline in cognitive function and memory loss can be incredibly challenging to witness, and it takes a toll on everyone involved. Despite the difficulties that come with caring for someone with Alzheimer’s, it’s heartwarming to see that this individual was able to maintain his positive spirit and iconic smile throughout his journey.

As I reflect on the family’s statement, I am reminded of the importance of cherishing every moment we have with our loved ones. Life is precious, and it’s essential to show appreciation for the people who bring joy and love into our lives. This individual’s ability to remain positive and smiling, even in the face of such a debilitating disease, serves as a reminder to us all to approach life with grace and gratitude.

In times of loss and sadness, it’s crucial to lean on the support of those around us. The family’s decision to release a statement about his passing shows their strength and willingness to share their grief with others. By opening up about their experience, they not only honor his memory but also provide comfort to those who may be going through similar struggles.

It’s moments like these that remind us of the fragility of life and the importance of coming together as a community to support one another. As we mourn the loss of this remarkable individual, let us take solace in the memories and the impact he had on those around him. His legacy will live on through the love and kindness he shared with the world.

To read more about Alzheimer’s disease and its impact on individuals and families, you can refer to this informative article from The Conversation: [Alzheimer’s Disease: Understanding the Impact on Families](insert link here).

In conclusion, let us remember the individual who passed away with fondness and gratitude for the joy and positivity he brought into the world. May his spirit live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him, and may we all strive to approach life with the same grace and resilience that he exhibited.