Vale: Paul Murphy

Veteran journalist & broadcaster Paul Murphy, best known for This Day Tonight and Dateline, has died, aged 77.

He died this afternoon in Sydney following a battle with cancer.

Murphy was part of Australia’s first nightly current affairs program, ABC’s This Day Tonight, where he worked alongside the likes of Bill Peach, June Heffernan, Tony Joyce and Peter Luck.

He went on to report for its replacement, Nationwide and was the first host of SBS’s Dateline. He also presented radio current affairs programme PM for a decade.

In 1994 Murphy was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for service to public broadcasting and to journalism. In 2000 he was awarded the Walkley Award for Outstanding Contribution to Journalism.

Kerry O’Brien said, “Paul was a shining light in Australian public broadcasting; a man of fierce intellect, rapier wit and utter integrity who blazed trails, pursued scoundrels and was the master of the political interview.

“He was both role model and dear friend, touched all he worked with and will not be forgotten. He was a giant of his generation.”

ABC Managing Director David Anderson said, “Paul was a fine journalist and a wonderful friend and colleague to many,” he said. “He will always be an important part of the history of the ABC and of Australian journalism.”

ABC Director News, Gaven Morris said, “The enormous contribution of Paul Murphy and others of his generation helped make ABC News what it is today.

“He had integrity, authority and was a natural communicator. He also had great warmth, making him as well liked by colleagues and audiences as he was respected.”

Fran Kelly said, “Paul Murphy was simply the best political interviewer we’ve ever had. I regarded him as a mentor and an inspiration in journalism. He was fearless, funny and principled. Vale Murph.”

Mike Carlton said, “Deeply saddened to report the death of Paul Murphy. ABC journalist, foreign correspondent, TDT reporter, presenter of PM. And an old mate. Of cancer, this afternoon. His many friends will miss his wit and wisdom, his warmth and humanity.”