Beloved Aussie news reader dies aged 98
Australian broadcasting veteran Arthur Wyndham has passed away aged 98.
The media icon who was a program director and newsreader for ABC, among other achievements, died on October 6 according to his obituary published in the Sydney Morning Herald.
He was one of the last veterans of Australian broadcasting from the pre-television era, with a career that started in 1947.
His daughter Susan Wyndham penned the obituary which read: “Arthur died in Sydney on October 6 at the age of 98.
"He was one of the last veterans of Australian broadcasting from the pre-television era, as well as a pioneer in television in the 1950s, and an innovator who oversaw the introduction of the youth station 2JJ (now Triple J) with funding from the Whitlam government.”
Wyndham was part of the launch of ABC TV in 1956, and also covered the Melbourne Olympics that same year.
As TV was rolled out across the country, he became acting program director for each state, and achieved many firsts including first cricket telecast, football match, and orchestral concert from the Sydney Town Hall.
He retired from the ABC in 1985, but continued broadcasting.
Former colleagues from 2JJ have paid tribute to the media icon, describing him as “a cool dude," who was an open-minded and supportive boss.
Actor Lex Marinos, who was a presenter at 2JJ said: “He unfailingly had a sparkle in his eye and a witty observation, and he always showed an interest in what I was doing.”
Wyndham's daughter, Susan also paid tribute to her dad in an Instagram post.
"Farewell to my dear dad, Arthur Wyndham, who died last Friday at the grand old age of 98. He had a full, interesting life as a broadcaster, traveller, father of three, grandfather of six, friend and colleague of many around the world. Love, gratitude and admiration always," she wrote, not long after his passing.
Wyndham is survived by his three daughters and six grandchildren.
Images: Instagram