Peter Hitchener has signed off for the last time on weekdays in an emotional farewell on Nine News.
The legendary Melbourne newsreader was given a teary send off on Thursday by Livinia Nixon at the end of her weather report as Hitchener’s five decade career came to an end.
‘Oh thank you, Livinia. So beautifully said … Pass those (tissues) over to Livinia,’ Hitchener, 77, said to sports presenter Tony Jones, adding that it had been his ‘honour and pleasure’ to host 9News for a quarter century.
Nixon said: ‘This is our last bulletin together as a team, since I joined you 20 years ago. You are a remarkable person. You are a father figure to everyone in the newsroom.
‘A friend to millions of people at home and a comfort to us all through these grim news stories. We adore you, we salute you and we thank you so much for everything.’
Veteran Nine presenter Peter Hitchener (pictured getting a kiss from Livinia Nixon) has signed off for the last time from weeknights news
‘I know that news can be very sombre at times, but fortunately there is always room for fun in this studio … and you’ve had us in stitches on some nights,’ Jones said to Hitchener.
‘We’ve had some fun,’ the retiring host agreed, with a chuckle.
‘That’s due (to) your wicked and wonderful sense of humour, which we don’t often see on air, of course,’ Jones said.
‘I wish you’d crack a joke now, because the mood in here is very sombre tonight. For me, you’re not just a colleague, you’re not just a mate, you’re actually part of our family.
‘And you’re a huge part of this city and will continue to be so.’
Jones then introduced a video tribute to Hitchener, which he said was ‘just a small sample of why you are so loved’.
The clips featured him covering decades of political and social changes around Victoria, and the world, from both behind the news desk and out on assignment.
‘Wow, some memories there,’ Hitchener said, overcome with emotion.
‘Can I say it’s been an honour and a pleasure to present 9News weeknights over the past 25 years, thank you for watching.’
He signed off by saying ‘Melbourne, that’s what’s news this Thursday. Enjoy your evening and goodnight.’
Nixon and Jones applauded him and then Jones shook his hand and Nixon leaned in to give him a kiss.
Peter Hichener (centre) passes tissues to an overcome Livinia Nixon (left) while Tony Jones (right) watches on
The legendary broadcaster, 77, said he was happy to take on a reduced workload to ensure a healthier work/life balance, while still being able to do what he loved. Pictured in the 1970s
Hitchener had earlier dismissed rumours he planned to retire, after being dumped from the weekdays news bulletins and moving to weekends.
The broadcaster said he was happy to take on a reduced workload to ensure a healthier work/life balance, while still being able to do what he loved.
‘I started thinking about it, when there was talk I’m going to retire. I thought, “What am I going to do? I’m going to see if I can pivot to a less busy schedule,”‘ he told TV Tonight.
‘I started thinking about it, when there was talk I’m going to retire. I thought, “What am I going to do? I’m going to see if I can pivot to a less busy schedule,”‘ he said.
‘Lo and behold, this is the outcome, working weekends. It was really only once I made the decision, I thought I’m happy about this. I’ve done the right thing.’
He added that he loved his job too much to ever seriously consider leaving the industry for good.
‘I never want to retire, I love to work. If I’m not reading the news, I’ll be doing something else. I don’t think retirement is particularly good for anyone. Well, not for me.’
It comes after reports that Hitchener is changing roles at Channel Nine after more than 25 years.
The Queensland native, who has presented Nine’s weekday news bulletins since 1998, has been bumped to the weekend slot following health woes.
The network announced the news earlier this month, and confirmed both Alicia Loxley, 42, and Tom Steinfort, 39, as his replacements.
The pair have a long history at the network, with Loxley presenting for 9News Melbourne for the past 12 years, while Steinfort is a longtime 60 Minutes correspondent.
Veteran Nine presenter Peter Hitchener (pictured) has signed off weeknights new for the last time
The 77-year-old, who recently celebrated 50 years at the network, insisted that stories of his retirement have been greatly exaggerated. Pictured with Livinia Nixon, Richard Wilkins and Karl Stefanovic
The Queensland native, who has presented Nine’s weekday news bulletins since 1998, has been bumped to the weekend slot following health woes. Pictured with Livinia Nixon
Hitchener, who recently celebrated 50 years at the network, insisted that stories of his retirement have been greatly exaggerated.
‘To be absolutely clear, the first I heard of my so-called retirement was reading about it in @theheraldsun this afternoon,’ Peter wrote on Instagram in July.
‘It is my great honour and a privilege to present the news, and I still hope to for a few more years’.
In 2021, the veteran newsreader took a step back from presenting the news full time.
READ MORE: Veteran Channel Nine star Peter Hitchener dumped after 25 years in shock shakeup
