Vale: Hugh Cornish

Pioneering broadcaster Hugh Cornish, the first person on Queensland television, has died aged 90.

Most recently a resident at the Renaissance Retirement Village at Victoria Point, he died this week.

Mr Cornish delivered the first Queenslan television broadcast from Nine at Mt Coot-tha on August 16, 1959, but no tape exists of that moment.

“Good evening Brisbane, welcome to television,’’ he reportedly said before the state’s first television news story.

He was the host of Brisbane Tonight, a successful media executive, TV and radio presenter, series producer, program manager voice over artist, fundraiser and composer. 

When analog television signals were switched off on May 28, 2013, Cornish was brought back to officially switch off the transmission signal.

His son Tim Cornish said on a social media post he was “the greatest gentleman you could ever hope to meet….
“Last night we lost one of the remaining burning stars.”

Managing director of Nine Queensland Kylie Blucher said “His face and voice became a trusted presence in countless homes. For decades, he brought warmth, professionalism, and dedication to Channel Nine’s screen.:
Veteran newsman Brett DeBritz said, “Everybody who grew up in the sixties and seventies knew his face. He was the guy who brought local current affairs to Channel Nine, and he was also an entertainer. A lot of people owe their careers to him.” 

In 2001, he was awarded the Centenary Medal and later named a Queensland Great from the state government. 

Source: Courier Mail, Daily Mail