‘True legend’: 7News Adelaide cameraman Rob Brown remembered

The heartbroken family of the late Rob Brown, including son-in-law Taylor Walker, have posted emotional tributes as SA remembers a “world class” veteran of the news industry.

Veteran television news cameraman Rob Brown has been remembered as a “true legend” of the industry and a “giant of his time” after his death at the age of 62.

Brown worked for more than three decades in television, including more than 20 years with Channel 7, covering some of the world’s biggest news stories from the Afghanistan, Iraq and East Timor wars, the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami, Nelson Mandela’s death, Schapelle Corby and eight Olympic Games.

Adelaide crows star Taylor Walker paid tribute to his late father-in-law Rob Brown. Picture: Instagram

Brown is survived by wife Vicky and their two daughters, Ellie Walker and Alex.

Adelaide Crows star Taylor Walker paid tribute to his father-in-law on social media saying:

“A magician of your art. I’m going to miss you RB. You were one special man!!! I love you.”

Brown’s daughter and Walker’s wife, Ellie, also honoured her father on Instagram.

“My heart is broken. Forever my hero,” she wrote.

Ellie’s sister Alex added: “We love and miss you dad. Proud to be RB’s daughter”.

Colleagues at Seven described Brown, who died after a short illness this week, as a “world class” cameraman and an incredible friend to everyone.

7NEWS director Adelaide Chris Salter said Brown’s death came as a “great shock to us all”.

“The indestructible, infallible warrior who was the heart and soul of our network for almost 30 years,” he said.

“From being detained by Hezbollah to dodging bullets in Afghanistan and countless Olympics – RB had done it all. He wasn’t just one of Australia’s best camos – he was world class. And he was Adelaide’s own. He was a true legend of the industry.”

There is some sad news for our own newsroom with the passing of legendary 7NEWS cameraman Rob Brown. RB covered some of the world's biggest stories for @Channel7 over the last three decades; he was tough, brilliant and award-winning, a legendary newsman gone too soon. #7NEWSpic.twitter.com/5zftrIq20j

— 7NEWS Adelaide (@7NewsAdelaide) March 21, 2024

7NEWS chief reporter Chris Reason travelled with and covered many stories with Brown.

“RB was a giant of his time – a one-man news machine. Name a big story you can remember in the last 30 years, chances are Rob shot the pictures,” he said of Brown, who was also an editor and field producer.

“One of his last jobs was the crash of MH17 in Ukraine. He was walking among the wreckage for days. He was detained by Hezbollah militants one time; I reckon they gave him back when they realised who they were dealing with.

SA television cameraman Rob Brown (l) and Channel 7 journalist Geof Parry wearing press flack jackets reporting on oil fires in Basra City, Iraq, 2003.

“Fearless, gruff, tough and tattooed; I seriously thought the cancer didn’t stand a chance.

Sadly, I was wrong. He will be missed.”

Former Channel 7 Adelaide news director Terry Plane worked with Brown for 12 years and said he was the network’s “first choice” cameraman for difficult international assignments.

Brown and former 7News journalist Jessica Adamson were the first Australian-based media representatives sent to Banda Aceh, Indonesia, in the aftermath of the devastating 2004 tsunami which claimed the lives of over 225,000 people.

“His performance there was extraordinary,” Mr Plane said.

“He was one of the great operators of the Australian television news business. He was also a really, really good man. He had strength of character and integrity.

“He was an absolute privilege to work with.”