Veteran newsreader Peter Hitchener, 75, ‘taking step back’ from Channel Nine

Peter Hitchener is reportedly cutting down his weekly news bulletins. 

The veteran newsreader, 75, is ‘taking a step back,’ The Daily Telegraph reported on Monday, and will now present four instead of five live news bulletins a week. 

‘He’s won the ratings 10 years in a row. This is a way of extending his career, not shortening it. We want him to do it forever,’ a source told the paper. 

In a statement to Daily Mail Australia, a representative for Channel Nine confirmed that Peter will drop back to four days a week. 

In April Peter gave 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.

‘He’s won the ratings 10 years in a row. This is a way of extending his career, not shortening it. We want him to do it forever,’ a source told the paper. In a statement to Daily Mail Australia, a representative for Channel Nine confirmed that Peter will drop back to four days a week

But 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.

‘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.

Migraine: In April Peter gave 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 

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.

‘He is now resting and we expect to see him back on deck tomorrow night. He is grateful for everyone’s concern,’ Nine’s Twitter account said.

Nine tweeted that the news legend was feeling okay before the end of the broadcast, with Peter himself tweeting just after its conclusion at 7pm that he was fine.

‘Thanks so much for your well wishes… I am feeling better already. I am most grateful for your support,’ he said. 

All good: Nine tweeted that the news legend was feeling okay before the end of the broadcast, with Hitchener himself tweeting just after its conclusion at 7pm that he was fine