A beloved 7News presenter, who has been a familiar face on screen for more than 41 years, will sign off with his final broadcast on Monday, September 22.
7News Tasmania weather presenter, Peter “Murph” Murphy, is Australia’s longest-serving commercial TV weather presenter, having started his first weatherman role on Tasmania’s TNT9 station in 1984.
“It’s been an incredible privilege to be part of Tasmanians’ lives every night. Weather is such a big part of this community, and I’ve always tried to respect that while sneaking in a little fun along the way. Tasmania’s weather is unpredictable, the job has been unforgettable and the people have made it all worthwhile,” Murphy said in a statement.
He also thanked his wife Donna, who he met around the same time he began his career as a weather presenter. The pair married in 1992 and share two sons, as well as two granddaughters.
“My wife Donna, of course, has been along for the entire period as well and no doubt is looking forward to spending every waking moment of every day with me from now on,” he said.
“Being part of such a strong performing news team over so many years has been especially rewarding. An award of some sort should also be bestowed upon [7News Tasmania presenters] Kim Millar and Jo Palmer for their ability to have withstood so much over the years.”
Seven Tasmania’s Director of News, Gavin McDougall, described Murphy’s exit as “the end of an incredible chapter in our television history.”
“Peter Murphy is more than a weather presenter – he’s part of the fabric of Tasmanian life,” he said.
Seven also announced Murphy’s successor: current weekend weather presenter Kiah Wicks, who will take over the weekday role.
“This has been a dream of mine since I was a girl. It’s hard to replace the legend that is Murph, but I’ll be bringing my own brand of weather smarts to the job,” she said.
7NEWS Tasmania will air Murphy’s farewell at 6 pm on Monday, September 22.
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