Richard Morecroft, veteran ABC newsreader, dies aged 70

Veteran Australian broadcaster Richard Morecroft has died at age 70 following a battle with cancer. According to a statement shared on his Instagram account, Morecroft passed away peacefully on the New South Wales south coast, “at a time of his choosing,” with his partner of 36 years, Alison Mackay, by his side.

Morecroft was a prominent figure in Australian media, most notably serving as the ABC News NSW evening anchor from 1983 to 2002. His diverse career also included hosting the children’s program “Behind the News,” the SBS quiz show “Letters and Numbers,” and various natural history productions. Beyond broadcasting, he was a dedicated environmentalist, an accomplished landscape photographer, and a supporter of the arts.

Tributes have poured in from across the country, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who described him as a “consumate professional” and a “beloved part of Australian life.” Fellow journalists and colleagues, such as Leigh Sales and Michael Rowland, remembered him as a kind, generous, and highly respected gentleman within the industry.