Veteran newsreader Peter Hitchener, 75, is ‘taking a step back’ from Channel Nine news in 2022 – after he was taken off air while stumbling over his words during live bulletin
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,’ an alleged source told the paper.
Time off: Peter Hitchener (pictured) 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
Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Channel Nine for comment.
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,’ an alleged source told the paper
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
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