Peter Hitchener becomes emotional as he bids farewell to weeknights at Nine News

Legendary newsreader Peter Hitchener became emotional while he was described as a “father figure” to his teammates as he signed off on his final weeknight bulletin on Nine News Melbourne.

Legendary newsreader Peter Hitchener became emotional while signing off on his final weeknight bulletin.

Hitchener announced two weeks ago that he was stepping down as Nine News Melbourne’s chief news presenter after 25 years in the top job.

The 77-year-old was joined by colleagues Tony Jones and Livinia Nixon as he presented his last weeknight headlines on Thursday.

The trio has worked together for more than 20 years, the longest on-air TV news partnership in Melbourne.

Nixon said Hitchener was a “father figure” to everyone in the newsroom.

Tony Jones, Peter Hitchener and Livinia Nixon have been a team for more than 20 years. Picture: David Caird

“This is our last bulletin together as a team, since I joined you both 20 years ago,” she said.

“You are a remarkable person. You are a father figure to everyone in the newsroom. A friend to millions of people at home.

“And a comfort to us all through these grim news stories. We adore you, we salute you and we thank you so much for everything.”

Jones said his colleague had a “wicked and wonderful sense of humour.”

Hitchener at the end of his last weekly news bulletin. Picture: David Caird

“The mood in here is very sombre tonight,” he said.

“You’re not just a colleague. You’re not just a mate. You’re actually part of our family.

“And you’re a huge part of this city and will continue to be so on Saturdays and Sundays in particular.”

Hitchener said it had been a “honour and a pleasure” to be in the job for 25 years.

He has been part of Nine for 50 years, joining from the ABC in late 1973.

Tony Jones shares a congratulations phone call with Peter Hitchener. Picture: David Caird

In the seismic shake-up, Hitchener will present the weekend news while Alicia Loxely and Tom Steinfort will anchor the weeknight bulletin as of next year.

Throughout his last bulletin, Melbourne identities thanked Hitchener for his contribution to the journalism industry in video messages.

“He has been a trusted voice and a trusted source for not just the breaking stories, but the everyday stories, telling the stories of everyday Victorians,” Premier Jacinta Allan said.

“I just wish him all the very best for his future ahead.”

Peter Hitchener with sports presenter Tony Jones after the last news bulletin. Picture: David Caird

Journalist Tracy Grimshaw said Hitchener was a “shining light”.

“Hitchy, 50 years and what shining light you have been for any of us that have been lucky enough to work with you and all those loyal viewers who have shared the years with you,” she said.

“Remember when we used to be told that TV was here for a good time, not a long time and nice guys finish last? Well, you blew that out of the water.”

3AW’s Ross Stevenson said Hitchener had an “extraordinarily successful career”.

“You have been a source of information and inspiration and comfort for the people of Melbourne,” he said.

Peter Hitchener has signed off on his final weeknight bulletin for Nine News Melbourne. Picture: David Caird

Denis Walter, Ross Lyon, Patti Newton and Pete Smith also contributed kind messages of support.

Hitchener became Nine Melbourne’s chief weekend news presenter in 1979 and was elevated to chief newsreader in December 1998 when Brian Naylor retired.

One of Hitchener’s hardest bulletins was in 2009 when he had to report that Naylor was among those who had died in the Black Saturday bushfire tragedy.

Best known for his warmth, charm and empathy, Hitchener handled it with grace.

The end of his reign comes as his half century was celebrated at a boardroom luncheon on Wednesday, attended by senior Nine executives and colleagues.

“I have been incredibly lucky,” Hitchener said previously.

“There have been challenges along the way and in any career over 50 years you have high points and lower points, but I just love it and I have been so lucky to work with great people, amazing people.”