TV journalist, broadcast giant George Negus dies, aged 82

One of the original 60 Minutes reporters, who became a broadcast legend, media stalwart George Negus, has passed away after a battle with dementia.

Veteran journalist and television personality George Negus has died.

The news comes two years after the Walkley Award-winning reporter was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

“Today, our incredible father and partner George passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones after a gracious decline from Alzheimer’s disease, all the while with his trademark smile,” the family wrote in a statement.

“He was 82 years old, but as he would say ‘age is terribly overrated’,” the statement continued.

“Despite the challenges diseases like Alzheimer’s inflict on families, we still shared beautiful times, laughter, and happiness together in recent times. We also learnt a lot too so he would be happy about that.

Negus, pictures for 60 Minutes in Adelaide in 1979. .

“And obviously, a huge part of our learning curve was aided by Australia’s healthcare workers. So to them, we say: ‘Thank you for doing your jobs – we have so much to thank you all for as we have striven to support George in the best possible way’.”

Author, journalist and television presenter, George Negus. Picture: News Corp

Negus with his young family in 2005. Picture: News Corp

Negus was a founding presenter on top current affairs program, 60 Minutes, and had been living in a Sydney aged care facility since 2021.

He is survived by partner Kirsty and sons Ned and Serge.

“George told us endlessly that he never imagined having a family, so the part of his life we shared was everything to him, and always his priority,” the family statement said.

“While we know he will be celebrated for his unique contribution to journalism, football, and the environment, he would also want to be remembered for the incredible family man he was.

Indeed, we will remember him for those wonderful contributions to the world AND the rich life experiences he shaped for us.

Negus on the set of Dateline.

“Many of you will have uplifting and distinct memories of him, regardless of whether you met him, but especially if you did.

“If you are looking to connect with those memories here are a few suggestions from us; kick a football, enjoy a hearty bowl of pasta, plan your next adventure to somewhere intriguing, or ask a curious question you think needs answering (and as he would say, the most important and simple one, ‘Why?).

A treasured picture of a young George Negus with his family. Supplied

Negus ahead of beinf made a member of the Order of Australia..

“Even better, do all of those things and do them together with people you love. That’s what he would have done.

“To us, ‘Negsy’ was the greatest father, grandfather, and partner there ever was. We created a beautiful life together and we will miss him dearly.”

INSATIABLE CURIOSITY

Negus has been one of the most recognisable faces on Australian television for nearly five decades.

He was born in Brisbane in 1942 and studied at the Inala State High School and Indooroopilly State High School before taking on arts and journalism at the University of Queensland.

As a journalist, Negus wrote for The Australian and the Australian Financial Review newspapers earlier in his career, but it was on TV that he truly made his mark.”

He was loved for his down-to-earth style and insatiable curiosity.

Negus got his start as a television reporter on This Day Tonight, and later became a founding correspondent for 60 Minutes when it launched in Australia in 1969.

His lengthy career saw him host Foreign Correspondent, George Negus Tonight and Dateline.

Negus also wrote several books.

Speaking to The Daily Telegraph in January 2015 when he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia, Negus said he thought of himself as a “communicator of ideas” more than a journalist.

“I do it my way, which some people acknowledge as quite distinctive, but that’s about it — there’s only one Negus, like it or lump it,” Negus said.

“I’m a pot-stirrer — people are so busy living and working that they don’t have time to think about why things are happening, so I’ve only ever asked one question: ‘Why’?”

Negus attributed much of his journalistic achievement to his curiosity.

“I’ve always been insatiably curious about what makes society tick, and that includes me happily labelling myself a political animal in a country where politics are largely decried — most people will say: ‘Well, at least he makes sense’, even if they don’t agree with it, which is a huge compliment,” Negus said at the time.

“I’ve spent a lifetime being paid to ask questions and criticise — my responsibility is being bold enough to ask the questions.”

60 MINUTES ‘POWERHOUSE’

Negus was lauded as a powerhouse of Australian broadcast journalism by his many friends and former colleagues at Nine.

H He had joined Nine n the late 1970s, when legendary producer Gerald Stone recognised his distinctive style and hired George to be one of the founding reporters for the then brand-new current affairs program, 60 Minutes, Nine said.

The reporter with the gruff voice, huge moustache and no shortage of opinions — along with Ray Martin and Ian Leslie — became a household name.

In eight years on the road for the show, he travelled to warzones, all over the world, and in his trademark interview style, famously got under the skin of British PM Margaret Thatcher, flirted with actor Meryl Streep; and delivered an extraordinary interview with Mother Teresa.

Nine’s Director of Television Michael Healy remembered George as one of this country’s biggest stars.

“Today, Australia lost one of its greatest storytellers,” Healy said.

“When you watched a George Negus interview it was thoughtful, intelligent, composed. He was always in control.”

Fiona Dear, Nine’s Director of News and Current Affairs, like grew up watching George Negus every Sunday night on 60 Minutes.

“He opened Australia’s eyes to the world, he took us to places we didn’t know existed, and introduced us to the people who shaped society,” Dear said.

60 Minutes Executive Producer, Kirsty Thomson said Negus’ contribution “will always be applauded and treasured”.

“Everyone at 60 Minutes sends love to George’s family,” she said.

“We are so proud to work at a program that’s always been inspired by George’s trailblazing journalism and globetrotting genius.”

“His legacy lives on at 60 Minutes through his wonderful son Serge, a producer on the program, who continues to do what George loved most about his job: being able to tell great stories.”

Originally published as TV journalist, broadcast giant George Negus dies, aged 82