Veteran newsreader Peter Hitchener, 77, denies rumours he’s ‘retiring’ from Channel Nine as he celebrates 50 years at the network
Peter Hitchener has denied increasing chatter that he is set to retire from Channel Nine News.
The 77-year-old, who is celebrating 50 years at the network, insisted this week 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.
‘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.
Peter Hitchener (pictured) has denied increasing chatter that he is set to retire from Channel Nine News. The 77-year-old, who is celebrating 50 years at the network, insisted this week that stories of his retirement have been greatly exaggerated
In a statement to Daily Mail Australia, a representative for Channel Nine confirmed that Peter was dropping to four days a week.
In April of that year, Peter gave an update on his health after he was taken off air mid-bulletin during Channel Nine’s 6pm Melbourne news.
He sparked concern after he stumbled over his words on March 29 due to a migraine, causing producers to quickly cut to a pre-recorded story.
Peter assured The Herald Sun that ‘everything’s good’ with his health, and confirmed he’s looking after himself more than ever since the on-air incident.
‘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. ‘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
‘I’m very good now and making sure I drink plenty of water,’ he said, before confirming he had visited the hospital as a precaution.
Peter, who soon after returned to work, added that he had only started suffering with migraines over the past few years.
‘It was the first time on air and I hope it never happens again,’ he said.
Shortly after the footage aired, Nine – who Peter has been reading the news for since 1998 – issued a statement to confirm that he was suffering from a migraine.
In a statement to Daily Mail Australia, a representative for Channel Nine confirmed that Peter was dropping to four days a week
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