Channel 9 newsreader Peter Hitchener inks deal to become Australia’s longest-running newsreader

EXCLUSIVE: CHANNEL 9 newsreader Peter Hitchener will be one of Australia’s longest-running newsreaders after recently signing a new multi-year deal.

A seagull walked across a real-time projection of the Melbourne cityscape behind Peter Hitchener's head during the 6pm bulletin.

CHANNEL 9 newsreader Peter Hitchener will be one of Australia’s longest running newsreaders after inking a new deal.

The Herald Sun understands the 68-year-old recently signed a new multi-year deal to continue reading the 6pm news.

Nine will not officially confirm, but sources told the Herald Sun the new deal could be for as many as five years, making Hitch 73 years of age when the contract expires.

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Peter Hitchener

Hitchener is one of the most popular newsreaders in the country, and he has turned around Nine’s 6pm news, making it a ratings winner.

The Nine network last week celebrated its third year win in a row in the hotly contested Melbourne News ratings timeslot against arch rival Seven.

Peter Hitchener and Nine News weather Livinia Nixon

While not confirming anything, Nine and Hitchener, who took over the anchor role from Brian Naylor in 1998, said they were both very happy with current arrangement.

“We’re most humbled by the support of our viewers. I’d personally like to thank them for their ongoing loyalty and for the privilege of inviting us into their homes,” Hitchener said.

“I’ve never felt fitter and can’t recall a time when I’ve been enjoying my work as much as I am now. Everyone at Nine is like a family to me.”

HITCH’S FIVE BIGGEST MOMENTS

1. Telling Victoria about the death of his long time friend and colleague Brian Naylor who died in the Black Saturday fires in February, 2009.

2. Having an hour-long chat with Kerry Packer in the newsroom in 1973, who then promised to sort his contract out and support him.

A seagull walked across a real-time projection of the Melbourne cityscape behind Peter Hitchener's head during the 6pm bulletin.

3. The famous seagull incident. A magnified seagull appeared to walk behind him as he read a story about a cold case murder. The clip went around the world.

4. Taking over from Brian Naylor in 1998 to read the Monday to Friday news. A major personal achievement.

5. Reading the last ever bulletin from Nine’s Bendigo St studios. It was the last live broadcast before the station moved to the Docklands.

Brian Naylor, veteran CH9 National Nine News has announced his retirement and will be replaced by Peter Hitchener.