Veteran journalist and newsreader Hugh Riminton has announced he will retire from Network 10 next month, bringing an end to a 48-year career in daily news.
Riminton, 65, has been the network’s News’ National Affairs Editor for the past 17 years, and in a message to staff, he said he would leave with “mixed emotions”.
“One of my emotions is excitement,” he said.
“I got my first job as a cadet reporter aged 17. I am now 65. 48 years in daily news is probably enough. This reporter’s life has given me the world. I leave with nothing but gratitude for every hour of it.
“In the coming weeks and months, I plan to support my son as he does his HSC. I also want to spend some time with my splendid Dad who is coming on 98. Every hour is precious. After that, I am sure projects will emerge to keep me busy.
“I want to thank you all for being my colleagues and friends for the past 17 years. There is no one among you I am not proud to work alongside.
“I have a couple of weeks to go. The task for all of you is not to make me teary.”
“Much love – Hugh.”
Riminton moved to Australia from New Zealand for his first broadcasting role with the Macquarie Radio Network in Perth and Melbourne in 1983.
He joined the Nine Network in 1989 and became a foreign correspondent based in London two years later.
From 2004 to 2009, he worked for CNN before joining 10 News as a senior political correspondent and host of Meet the Press.
Riminton has won multiple Walkley Awards for reporting on foreign conflicts, as well as a Logie for his coverage of Tahiti’s independence.
Network 10 president Beverley McGarvey said Riminton had made a lasting contribution to Australian journalism.
“Across an exceptional career, he has reported with courage, clarity and compassion, earning the trust of audiences and the respect of peers across the industry,” she said.
Paramount Australia vice president Martin White described Riminton as one of the finest journalists Australia had produced.
“A reporter of integrity, intellect and humanity,” he said.
“His work has informed Australians through some of the biggest stories of our time, and his presence in our newsroom has been a privilege for all of us at 10 News.”
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