Trailblazing Australian TV presenter dies at age 90: ‘Last night we lost one of the remaining burning stars’
Pioneering Australian TV personality Hugh Cornish died earlier this week at the age of 90 in a retirement village in Queensland.
The iconic presenter earned a place in Aussie TV history as he became the first person to ever speak on Queensland television in 1959.
Cornish was one of the first newsreaders for Channel Nine, telling viewers, “Good evening Brisbane, welcome to television” during the state’s first TV broadcast.
He was born in Queensland in 1934 and began his media career as a radio presenter at 4IP in Ipswich.
Cornish’s son Tim confirmed the heartbreaking news of his death on social media.
“Last night we lost one of the remaining burning stars. He was the greatest gentleman you could ever meet,” Tim wrote.
Pioneering Australian TV personality Hugh Cornish died earlier this week at the age of 90 in a Queensland retirement village. Pictured
Meanwhile, Nine Queensland managing director Kylie Blucher said Cornish’s contributions to the media landscape were second to none.
“His face and voice became a familiar presence in countless homes,” Blucher said in a statement.
“For decades he brought warmth, professionalism and dedication to the Channel Nine screen.”
Veteran journalist Brett DeBritz joined the chorus, saying many working in Australian media today “owe their careers” to Cornish.
‘Anyone who grew up in the sixties and seventies knew his face. He was the man who brought local current affairs to Channel Nine, and he was also an entertainer.
‘Many people owe their careers to him.’
During his seven-decade career in media, Cornish worked as a TV and radio host, series producer, program manager, voice-over artist and composer.
In the 1960s he was the host of a popular variety show on Channel Nine called Brisbane Tonight.
The iconic presenter earned a place in Aussie TV history as he became the first person to ever speak on Queensland television in 1959
During his seven-decade career in media, Cornish worked as a TV and radio host, series producer, program manager, voice-over artist and composer.
He was also an avid philanthropist, raising millions of dollars for various charities through his participation in telethons and benefit shows.
Cornish has received many awards in recognition of his long contributions to the media industry.
In 2001 he was awarded the Federal Government’s Centenary Medal, which recognizes ‘people who have made a contribution to Australian society or government’.
Three years later he was named a Queensland Great by the state government.
The energetic entertainer retired in the early 2000s and spent his remaining years taking a well-deserved rest in a retirement home.
Cornish is survived by his son Tim and several grandchildren.