Australian broadcasting icon Brian Henderson dies, aged 89
Australian broadcast icon and veteran, Brian Henderson has passed away aged 89 after a battle with cancer.
Henderson was the long-time anchor of Nine news on weeknights in Sydney, where he became Australia’s longest serving news presenter.
He broadcasted on Sydney televisions between 1957 until his retirement in 2002, also hosting live pop music show, Bandstand during its run from 1958 to 1972.
In a statement, chairman of Nine, Peter Costello said that Henderson was “the best of the best”, calling him an icon, and the ultimate professional.
“Hendo was not just a much loved newsman he also brought modern pop music to generations of Australian teenagers through his hosting role on Bandstand. He was trusted, he had a warmth that he brought into the living rooms of millions of Australians. He will be deeply missed but his giant legacy and contribution will live on in the DNA of Nine.”
Director of news and current affairs at Nine, Darren Wick, added that Henderson was idolised by everyone lucky enough to have worked with, and learned from with him.
“He was the biggest star in a Nine News team that boasted the biggest names in journalism – Laurie Oakes, Liz Hayes, Georgie Gardner, Ken Sutcliffe, Peter Harvey, Robert Penfold, Peter Overton, Leila McKinnon, Allison Langdon and Karl Stefanovic.
“He was the epitome of credibility, reliability and clarity. He set the standard that we aspire to live up to every night of the week.”
Henderson last year opted against receiving treatment for kidney cancer last year, after surviving multiple bouts with cancer. He reportedly died with his wife and two daughters by his side.
He was known for his sign-offs “and that’s the way it is” or “the way it is” at the end of every broadcast.
During his career, Henderson won two Gold Logies, was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2013, and in 2019 was recognised with a lifetime achievement award at the Kennedy Awards.
In 2009, he was made a Member of the Order of Australia, for contributions to TV news, entertainment and journalism.
In 2006, Henderson took part in a Channel Nine reunion for the 50th birthday of television in Australia.
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Calum Jaspan was news editor at Mumbrella, based in Melbourne. He was also the producer and host of the Mumbrellacast. He left Mumbrella in May 2023.
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