Veteran Channel Nine star Peter Hitchener dumped after 25 years in shock shakeup and replaced with younger hosts following health woes
One of Channel Nine’s biggest stars is changing roles after more than 25 years.
Veteran broadcaster Peter Hitchener, 77, who has presented Nine’s weekday news bulletins since 1998, has been moved to weekends due to health problems.
The network announced the news on Saturday, confirming both Alicia Loxley, 42, and Tom Steinfort, 39, as his replacements.
The pair have a long history with the network, with Loxley presenting for 9News Melbourne for the past twelve years, while Steinfort is a long-time correspondent for 60 Minutes.
Hugh Nailon, managing director of 9News Melbourne, said in a statement: “We are thrilled to welcome Alicia and Tom to the forefront of our news team.
Veteran broadcaster Peter Hitchener, 77, who has presented Nine’s weekday news bulletins since 1998, has been moved to weekends due to health concerns
The network announced the news on Saturday, confirming both Alicia Loxley, 42, (left) and Tom Steinfort, 39, (right) as Hitchener’s replacements
In what will only be the fourth line-up for the bulletin, this truly marks the beginning of a new era,” they continued.
“We have big plans for 2024 and look forward to bringing viewers the most accurate and informative news they can trust from 9News.
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Meanwhile, 9News Melbourne director Hugh Nailon issued a statement on Hitchener’s future at the network.
“We are pleased that Hitch will remain a valuable and beloved part of the 9News Melbourne family,” Nailon said.
“He has an unwavering passion for delivering news to Melbourne and we look forward to the wealth of experience he will continue to bring to our weekend broadcasts.”
The new line-up will launch in January 2024.
Hitchener is pictured with Livinia Nixon during one of his weekly broadcasts
‘Hitch’ is one of Channel Nine’s most beloved characters. (Pictured with Livinia, Richard Wilkins and Karl Stefanovic)
Hitchener has spent months denying growing rumors that he is about to retire from Channel Nine.
The 77-year-old, who recently celebrated his 50th anniversary with the network, insisted that stories of his retirement have been greatly exaggerated.
“To be clear, the first I heard about my so-called retirement was reading about it this afternoon in @theheraldsun,” Peter wrote on Instagram in July.
“It is my great honor and privilege to present the news, and I hope to continue doing so for a few more years.”
In 2021, the veteran newsreader took a step back from presenting the news full-time.
In March 2021, Peter was taken off air mid-bullet on Channel Nine’s Melbourne news at 6pm
In a statement to Ny Breaking Australia, a Channel Nine representative confirmed that Peter had dropped back to four days a week.
In April that year, Peter gave an update on his health after being taken off air mid-bullet on Channel Nine’s Melbourne news at 6pm.
He sparked concern after stumbling over his words due to a migraine on March 29, prompting producers to quickly switch to a pre-recorded narration.
Peter assured the Herald Sun that ‘all is well’ with his health, confirming that he has been taking care of himself more than ever since the broadcast incident.
“I’m doing very well now and I make sure I drink a lot of water,” he said, before confirming that he had visited the hospital as a precaution.
Peter, who returned to work shortly afterwards, added that he only started suffering from migraines in recent years.
“It was the first time it was broadcast and I hope it never happens again,” he said.