Vale: Rob Readings

Former Brisbane reporter and newsreader Rob Readings has died, aged 79.

He died after a series of health complications that followed a fall at his home a few months ago.

“It is with deep sorrow and extremely heavy hearts, that we as a family announce that our beautiful Dad and loving Poppy, Robert John Readings passed away,” his family confirmed on social media.

“No longer living with pain, he can now rest in peace.

“We will miss you eternally and love you forever.”

Readings was best known as 9News’ first newsreader on the Gold Coast after previous reporting stints in newsrooms in Brisbane and on lifestyle program, Extra. He was also a newsreader on Eyewitness News at TVQ0/10 in the 1980s and anchored Ten’s Olympic Games coverage in 1984.

Former producer Paul Reed recalled he was the perfect fit for Nine’s expanded news coverage in 1996.

“He was the ideal choice for local news, Rob was fit, he was healthy, he was personable,” Reed said.

“When he was in front of camera, he delivered.”

Source: Nine News, TelevisionAU.com