Newsreader Brian Henderson has died

Brian Henderson, the Nine newsreader, has died. He was 89.

Hendo, who started in the early days of television broadcasting in the 1950s, was loved for his credibility, reliability and clarity.

He spent 45 years (1957-2002) reading the news when televison was part of the household loungeroom. He also hosted Bandstand, the music program. 

The jingle for the commercial, Brian told me, of 30 years ago, played on Henderson's solid credibility with television viewers. 

He was also known for his sign off every night with the tagline that's "the way it is". 

“He was trusted, he had a warmth that he brought into the living rooms of millions of Australians. He will be deeply missed but his giant legacy and contribution will live on in the DNA of Nine.”

From Darren Wick, Nine’s Director of News and Current Affairs: “Hendo was much loved and idolised by everyone of us lucky enough to have worked with him and learn from him.

“He was the biggest star in a 9News team that boasted the biggest names in journalism – Laurie Oakes, Liz Hayes, Georgie Gardner, Ken Sutcliffe, Peter Harvey, Robert Penfold, Peter Overton, Leila McKinnon, Allison Langdon and Karl Stefanovic.

“He was the epitome of credibility, reliability and clarity. He set the standard that we aspire to live up to every night of the week.”

Broadcaster Margaret Throsby: "There are lots of wannabes in broadcasting. And then there are the true greats and Brian Henderson was one of those. No ego. Beautiful innate talent as a newsreader, calm, authoritative, natural, no fuss. And a really lovely man. Vale."

Presenter Angela Bishop: "When it came to delivering the news, his mantra was 'clever is good, clear is best'. Whether that news was good or bad, when Brian told us we trusted what he said, and somehow felt everything would be OK."