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Vale: Brian Walsh

Revered Australian television executive Brian Walsh, best known as Foxtel's Executive Director of Television, has died.

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Revered Australian television executive Brian Walsh, best known as Foxtel’s Executive Director of Television, has died aged 67.

The Foxtel Group today announced his sudden passing in Sydney yesterday, expessing its profound sadness at the sudden loss of an iconic figure throughout its 28-year history and one of the most admired creative leaders in Australian television.

A cause of death is yet to be confirmed.

Sisters Maureen Walsh, Jeanette Walsh and Bernadette Walsh, as well as Bernadette’s husband Wayne Cooper and Brian’s nieces and nephew, said in a statement, “We are deeply saddened and shocked at the loss of our beloved brother Brian. There are no words to say just how heartbroken we are.

“He had an extraordinary life and accomplished so much. His contributions were celebrated and widely acknowledged. We will always remember him by his love of family, his generosity and the value he put on a life not wasted but full and well lived.

“His greatest gift was bringing joy to people including through the industry he was so passionate about and all those he collaborated with over so many years. We were so proud of him and we know Mum and Dad would have been too.

“We are overwhelmed by the outpouring of love for Brian. Details of how we will celebrate his life will follow but for now we remember our darling Brian and ask for privacy during this difficult time.”

Brian began his career with ABC before going into feature film production and distribution at Palm Beach Pictures and promotions and publicity at Sydney Radio Station 2SM. After five years at Radio 2SM, Brian joined Network TEN, where he launched major network events, including the acclaimed Kennedy Miller mini-series Vietnam, The Bangkok Hilton, and The Dirtwater Dynasty. Brian’s also credited with responsibility for the global success of the iconic Australian family drama series, “Neighbours and launching the careers of Kylie Minogue, Jason Donovan and Guy Pearce.

Brian initially established his reputation as a gifted media, entertainment and sports publicist. His CV is a roll-call of iconic moments in television marketing and publicity including the creation of the Simply The Best season launch for the National Rugby League which featured Tina Turner. Brian was also the creative force behind a series of blockbuster Grand Final and State of Origin Entertainment shows and events while also being the much-loved publicist for the largest Australian international concert tours including by Michael Jackson, Mariah Carey, Neil Diamond, Ricky Martin and Barbra Streisand.

In 1995, Brian was a key member of the management team that established Australian subscription television with the launch of Foxtel. Brian’s talent and his unique ability to engage people saw him become Foxtel’s creative force over the past two decades including overseeing all scripted and unscripted commissions for the Foxtel Group. This includes some of Australia’s best quality, most loved television series including Wentworth, Upright, Deadline Gallipoli, The Kettering Incident, The End and most recently the award-winning and globally distributed series Love Me, Colin from Accounts and The Twelve.

Foxtel Group CEO Patrick Delany said: “This is a very difficult day for the Foxtel Group family, for Australia’s creative community and the millions of Australians who watched and loved the stories that Brian bought to life through television. Australia’s creative community has lost a much-loved figure in Brian. For us, the loss is heavily felt.

“At the Foxtel Group, Brian was a long-time mentor, a confidant, a colleague and an unwavering friend to so many. Today, we are grieving Brian’s passing. Our condolences go to his family and to those closest to him. We have lost an icon of Australian television that will never be replaced. Rest in peace, Brian.”

Beverley McGarvey, Executive Vice President, Paramount Australia and New Zealand said: “The network’s close association with Brian goes back almost to the very start of Neighbours. Brian was instrumental in the now – very famous – series relaunch on 10. It was Brian’s commitment to the show that saw it build from poor early ratings to become the juggernaut we all know and love. Just a few months ago, Brian came to Nunawading for a set visit. He absolutely loved it and was welcomed back by cast and crew with open arms. It was clear he had never lost that sense of connection. Brian’s passion for television and for the industry is legendary. There is – and in our opinion – will never be a greater TV brain or a greater advocate for local drama or local content. Brian would be responsible for thousands of careers on both sides of the camera. He was one of a kind and will be hugely missed. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”

ABC Managing Director David Anderson said, “Brian was a towering figure in the Australian screen entertainment industry. Brian was passionate about every aspect of the screen industry and whenever you spoke to him, you knew he was working on the next drama series. Brian’s passion for Australian content was evident to all that knew him. He will be missed.”

SPA CEO Matthew Deaner said, “Today’s news has come as a shock and deeply saddened myself, the SPA team, our members and the Australian screen sector as a whole. Brian’s contributions to Australian television during his career have helped shape Australian culture and identity on screens locally and internationally, and for this, we will be eternally appreciative and grateful. Brian was an avid supporter of opportunities to bring about progress and change in our industry and was a key figure over many years at our Screen Forever conference. His commitment, dedication, and drive for the advancement of the Australian screen industry and Australian screen stories – particularly television drama – was staggering and will be sorely missed.”

Lachlan Murdoch said, “Brian was a good man, a great friend, and a television genius. His passing is a tremendous loss to all those who loved him, and to the industry he helped shape over the last 40 years.”

This post updates.

17 Responses

  2. Gut-wrenching news, Brian was a juggernaut and a savior for quality Australian content. The industry will never be the same. Thoughts are with his family and friends.

  5. OMG I was just about to email him with another pitch. He actually took them from anyone. I met him now for the last time unfortunately just last year. This is so sad for so many. Another devastating young death. I wonder if anyone as nice is going to take over his position 😰 RIP Mr Walsh

  11. … first met Brian when Allan Hoy appointed his company to handle publicity and promotion for the Prime network … it was 1991 and I was actually on holiday, but that didn’t deter Brian, Allan rang me to tell me of the appointment, Brian just turned up at my home to discuss “strategy” and away we went … worked with him again at Foxtel in 2000 … a complete dynamo who got what he wanted every time … big shock …

  12. Foxtel is Brian Walsh. I’ll forever be thankful for Brian’s contribution in saving A Place To Call Home a truly great Australian drama that was able to tell its full story due to Brian after Seven axed the program.

    Truly sad news.

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