Tributes flow for ‘giant of Australian journalism’ George Negus

Tributes are pouring in for “giant of Australian journalism”, George Negus.

Praise for the veteran newsman, who finally succumbed after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease aged 82, is coming from all quarters — media, politics, sport and the public.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese wrote Negus’ “courage, curiosity and integrity gave millions of Australians a sense of the big issues on 60 Minutes, and a window to the world through Foreign Correspondent”, in a post on X.

“George sought and served the truth with steely determination and a twinkle in his eye, and along the way, he made even the smallest TV screen feel that much bigger.

“He was a wonderful human being and his loss will be deeply felt by so many Australians. We offer his family the heartfelt condolences of our nation. May he rest in peace.”

Founding 60 Minutes colleague Ray Martin described Negus as a “great bloke”.

“Logie created television for George Negus, he was probably the strongest TV character I can remember on Australian television,” he told 9News.

“He was outrageous, he was charismatic, he was loud, he was heavily opinionated, he was funny. He was just a great bloke.”

This Day Tonight alumnus Mike Carlton posted: “Much saddened by this news. Another one gone. George entertained and informed millions of Australians in his heyday, a genuine household name.”

While former ABC Insiders host Barrie Cassidy wrote: “George Negus was from the first crop of celebratory (sic) journalists. Not everybody’s idea of journalism but George carried it comfortably. He had the knowledge, exceptional communication skills and an easy friendly presence. And nobody wore a moustache as well as George did.

Football Australia was also among those paying tribute: “A former Soccer Australia board member. A friend of football. A titan of journalism.”