The Australian broadcasting industry is mourning the loss of veteran sports presenter Clarke Hansen, who has died aged 84.
Hansen died on April 30, with his passing confirmed on Sunday by fellow sports presenter Dan Lonergan in a social media statement.
Hansen’s career spanned decades, beginning as a newsreader for NRN Channel 10 in Coffs Harbour in January 1965. He joined the ABC in 1967, where he became known as a sports reporter and commentator.
“On Thursday night the sports media industry lost one of the best and most respected in the industry; the great Clarke Hansen who had a fine career for many years with the ABC in the 1970s, 80s and 90s,” Lonergan said.
“He called football for years on ABC Radio and TV and also broadcast his favourite sport tennis, the Australian Open where he and another broadcasting legend, Doug Heywood were a great team providing a brilliantly descriptive coverage.”
Lonergan described Hansen as a kind and warm-hearted figure who remained deeply connected to colleagues throughout his life.
“In later years he organised an annual ABC reunion at his beloved Kooyong tennis club. A better and more decent human being very hard to find,” he wrote.
Tributes have flowed from listeners and fans, many recalling Hansen as a defining voice of Australian sport.
“Clarke Hansen was one of the identifiable voices and presenters from my formative childhood years,” one person wrote.
“He has left a positive lasting legacy on millions of grateful people.”
“A very solid performer. Great voice for radio and great knowledge. May Clarke RIP,” another said.
“So sad to hear this. One of the great footy commentators,” a third added.
“A truly magnificent broadcaster. The likes of which we don’t see around today,” another wrote.
Across his career, Hansen covered major sporting events including the Olympic Games, AFL matches and tennis, building a reputation as a trusted and familiar voice for audiences.
In 2011, he was inducted into the Melbourne Cricket Ground Media Hall of Fame in recognition of his contribution to sports broadcasting.
Hansen was also the father of former AFL player Ashley Hansen, who played for the West Coast Eagles between 2004 and 2010.
He is survived by his wife Kerry and their sons, Ashley and Chris.
Images: ABC
