Vale: Ilankovan Frank

Veteran Nine News cameraman Ilankovan Frank, known to colleagues simply as ‘Frank’, has died.

“Pictures on the news each night aren’t just plucked from thin air, but are the work of our camera operators,” Georgie Gardner told viewers this week.

“Talented, trusted, tough, and sometimes tender.

“One of them, a dear workmate, known to us all here at Nine simply as ‘Frank’, has died. Here are some of the pictures he took, as well as some pictures of him, taken along the way.”

Vision taken by Frank stretched back decades alongside famed Nine faces including Brian Henderson, Peter Harvey, Richie Benaud and cricketers including Shane Warne and Brett Lee.

“In recent years our friend had his own battles, recovering from a stroke, but a triumphant visit to the newsroom… lovely moments we saw as he helped you see what was happening in our world.”

Pictures on the news each night aren't just plucked from thin air – they are the work of our camera operators.

One of them, a dear workmate, known to us all here at #9News simply as "Frank", has died – here are some of the pictures he took along the way. pic.twitter.com/AQdxBNouRd

— 9News Sydney (@9NewsSyd) January 4, 2022

Nine Network cameraman Ilankovan "Frankie" Frank helped bring news of the Port Arthur massacre and many other momentous events. He died this morning. He was much loved. At @10NewsFirst, we send our condolences to Frankie's family and his many colleagues and friends. pic.twitter.com/MRq7UwQxe0

— Hugh Riminton (@hughriminton) January 4, 2022