ABC News Victoria anchor Ian Henderson to retire after four decades
ABC News Victoria’s anchor, Ian Henderson, is retiring after nearly 40 years.
Henderson first joined ABC News in Melbourne in 1980, after two years as a cadet with Leader Newspapers.
During his time with the national broadcaster, Henderson worked for four years as ABC Europe correspondent and as a state political and industrial reporter. Henderson assumed the weeknightly Victoria newsreader role in 1992.
Henderson, 65, has worked for the ABC for 38 years
This morning, Henderson told his Twitter followers his last bulletin would be October 11, assuring viewers it had nothing to do with the firing of ABC managing director, Michelle Guthrie, or the resignation of chairman Justin Milne, last week.
“Friends, after 38 years at the ABC, it’s time for me to pull up stumps. My last bulletin will be on October 11.
“Nothing sinister and NO relation to turbulence of the past week. Just a long-hatched retirement plan. Thanks for the fun & feedback. See you on the swings! Hendo,” he wrote.
Friends, after 38 years at the ABC, it’s time for me to pull up stumps. My last bulletin will be on October 11. Nothing sinister and NO relation to turbulence of the past week. Just a long-hatched retirement plan. Thanks for the fun & feedback. See you on the swings! Hendo
— Ian Henderson (@HendoABC) October 1, 2018
Henderson said it was time for him to “explore some new directions”.
“It hasn’t been an easy decision, but I’m convinced it’s the right one,” he said in a statement.
“I have some thanks to pass on: to the ABC for the wonderful opportunities it’s given me over the past 38 years; to my many colleagues for their support, good humour and camaraderie over the years; and to our loyal audience for welcoming me into their homes on a nightly basis! It’s been a rare privilege. I have a real sense of a bond with ABC viewers, and it’s a connection I’ll long cherish.”
ABC director of news, analysis and current affairs, Gaven Morris, said viewers had a unique connection with Henderson, and would miss him.
“As well as being a favourite with viewers, Ian is an integral member of the Melbourne news team. His editorial decision-making, writing skills, smooth presentation and passion for the job have made him an asset to the ABC,” Morris said.
A replacement is yet to be announced.
Will be sad to see Ian leave but wish him a very Happy Retirement. Wish Tamara Odyen would retire, she is such a Drama Queen such an annoying presenter. Hope she doesn’t replace Ian who is very professional.
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Hendo,
Spent some time with you for many a surf at Fairhaven and surrounds.
Very heady days with some colourful surfing characters in the 70s/80/s …
Then later bumped into you in a hospital one random night when your child was sick and my father was passing …
So, I am your age now …
I would like you to consider that we grew up in the most marvellous place and period in the planets history.
Our Australian generation grew up in the best part, of the best country, in the world!
Without war, with full employment and without the all the social confusion that now exists.
Yet all the crazy creative people we spent time with the. were not racist, sexist or homophobic?
We were too busy having a bloody good time!
Enjoy your well deserved retirement bud!
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