‘Absolute legend’: Veteran ABC journalist Peter Ryan dies at 64 after battle with cancer

The Walkley Award-winning reporter has been remembered as an “absolute legend” and “generous mentor” who worked in the industry for 45 years.

Veteran ABC and Walkley Award-winning journalist Peter Ryan has died after a battle with thyroid cancer.

The journalist, who worked as a reporter for 45 years with the ABC, was diagnosed with metastatic thyroid cancer in 2014.

He died in Sydney on Friday night, his family confirmed. He was 64.

Peter Ryan has died at the age of 64 after a battle with thyroid cancer. Picture: ABC

Over the course of has 45-year career in journalism, Ryan spanned multiple roles.

He began as a cadet and copyboy at the Sydney Daily Mirror before moving to the ABC, where he worked as the head of TV news and current affairs in Victoria and was the ABC Washington bureau chief.

He was also the founding editor of Lateline Business in 2006 that became The Business in 2012.

Ryan won the Walkley Award in 2017 for his coverage of the Commonwealth Bank scandal that involved millions of dollars flowing through to drug syndicates from the bank’s intelligent deposit machines.

He was awarded the Order of Australia Medal in 2022 for his service to journalism.

Working as senior business correspondent from 2016, Ryan retired from his role in June and moved into palliative care, opting to spend more time with his wife Marry Cotter and daughter Charlotte.

Upon Ryan’s retirement, Treasurer Jim Chalmers said the ABC journalist was an “absolute legend”.

“Every day as you wake up and you think about what’s happening in the economy, if you only needed to listen to one voice to be sure that you got its essential elements, it would be Peter’s,” he said.

The journalist is remembered for his hard work and dedication to his craft. Picture: ABC

Former ABC Breakfast host Michael Rowland paid tribute to Ryan on Sunday evening, describing him as an “unrivalled” reporter who was “courageous” in his journalism and a “generous mentor”.

“He had a big impact on so many ABC careers,” Rowland penned online. “We’ve all lost a good one.”

ABC News senior director Justin Stevens said Ryan left behind a “significant legacy”.

“Through his mentorship, friendship, and professionalism, he directly touched the lives of many at the ABC,” he said.

“Through his journalism, he had a profound impact on the lives of Australians and our society.

“It was a privilege to know him and work alongside him.”

The veteran reporter offered helpful advice to budding journalists before his retirement. picture: ABC

Before his retirement in 2025, the journalist offered a piece of advice to other budding reporters.

“Avoid cynicism – be passionate. A good team can often be a very small team – I’ve worked in some of the best,” he said.

“Be proactive – come to the table with a great story so no one else comes up with a dud that might waste your time.

“Work closely with top people – shut up and absorb like a sponge.

“Maintain a fastidious contact book – some low-profile contacts could soon move into higher powered roles or more importantly work in backrooms where the big decisions are often made.

“Show up to work early and prove that you’re ready to take on the big story of the day.

“Try to have a Plan B in your back pocket just in case your original brilliant idea doesn’t go anywhere and the EP comes walking your way.

“Finally, be kind and caring to people who need it.“

Originally published as ‘Absolute legend’: Veteran ABC journalist Peter Ryan dies at 64 after battle with cancer