Nine News stalwart Andrew Lofthouse retires
Nine News Queensland announced on Monday the retirement of its long-standing evening news presenter Andrew Lofthouse.
Lofthouse said it was time for him to “pull back and slow down a little” while dealing with a health issue, but described his time with Nine as “a dream career”.
Lofthouse has been an anchor of the Nine Queensland bulletin for 17 years – 16 of which were alongside co-presenter Melissa Downes.
Andrew Lofthouse and Melissa Downes co-presented Nine News Queensland for 16 years.
“I’ve been in the business a long time [and] I’ve done a heck of a lot with Nine,” he said.
“It’s been an amazing privilege and a wonderful experience with the best in the business. And of course, our incredible viewers who make it all worthwhile.”
Lofthouse had been on leave since late last year, before which he had joined in Nine’s coverage of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Throughout his decade-and-a-half career with Nine, Lofthouse has covered many major state events – including covering the Brisbane floods in 2011 and 2022 from the Brisbane River’s banks.
In 2011, Lofthouse also broadcast live from North Queensland in the aftermath of Cyclone Yasi.
Before joining Nine News Queensland in 2009, Lofthouse worked with the ABC for 18 years, working in television and radio, and producing stories for Australian Story and Stateline – which ran from 1996 to 2011.
Downes said Lofthouse was “one of the true gentlemen of the TV news business”.
“Lofty is so much more than just a colleague, he’s one of my closest friends, and I’m so incredibly grateful for the 16 years we shared on the Nine News desk,” she said.
Nine News Queensland news director Brendan Hockings said Lofthouse was “a rare gem”.
“He is rare, he is loved and he is forever Nine Queensland. We wish him our love and support as he navigates this next period,” said Hockings.
Nine expected to run a special tribute of Lofthouse’s career with the broadcaster on Monday following the 6pm bulletin.
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