Social media sites are paying tribute to Paul Murphy who has passed away from cancer this afternoon.
Paul presented the ABC’s afternoon radio current affairs program PM from 1983 to 1993 and he was the first host of the SBS current affairs program Dateline, and presented the program for a decade.
ABC crew expresses the huge loss of Paul Murphy, who has died today in Sydney at the age of 77 after a short illness.
Murphy made his name at the ABC as one of the pioneering team on Australia’s first nightly current affairs TV program, This Day Tonight, where he worked alongside the likes of Bill Peach, June Heffernan, Tony Joyce and Peter Luck.
The 1974 photo of that line-up, with Murphy at the far left, is one of the great ABC images.
Mike Carlton was among the first to pay tribute to his mate.
Deeply saddened to report the death of Paul Murphy. ABC journalist, foreign correspondent, TDT reporter, presenter of PM. And an old mate. Of cancer, this afternoon. His many friends will miss his wit and wisdom, his warmth and humanity.
— Mike Carlton (@MikeCarlton01) October 20, 2020
Very sad news today with the passing of Paul Murphy, legendary journalist and long-term presenter of ABC Radio’s PM program. His unforgettable voice, his passion for a good yarn and his dedication to broadcasting will be greatly missed by so many. Thank you Paul. Vale.
— Gaven Morris (@gavmorris) October 20, 2020
Very sad to hear of the death of Paul Murphy, “the Murph”, original host of ABC radio’s PM, witty and astute observer and self-deprecating raconteur and mimic of politics, and regular feature and friend on my morning dog walks. He will be greatly missed.
— The Cathy Wilcox (@cathywilcox1) October 20, 2020
Paul Murphy. For a listener, one of the great ABC voices, one of the definitive hosts of PM 1983-93. An essential daily accompaniment on the drive home from work. Back to the TDT days, the ranks are thinning. pic.twitter.com/54RsiOn7h5
— Malcolm Farnsworth (@mfarnsworth) October 20, 2020
Paul Murphy was simply the best political interviewer we’ve ever had. I regarded him as a mentor and an inspiration in journalism. He was fearless, funny and principled. Vale Murph. https://t.co/NOy1VcNQZw
— Fran Kelly (@frankelly08) October 20, 2020
The ABC sadly farewells the great journalist Paul Murphy, who has died today in Sydney at the age of 77. https://t.co/a57TghGbZC
— ABC Communications (@ABCMediaComms) October 20, 2020
Sad to hear of the death of ABC great, Paul Murphy. Rest In Peace. One of the great radio voices, one of the great current affairs journalists. pic.twitter.com/vZXk8moQzx
— Marcus Strom (@strom_m) October 20, 2020
Vale Paul Murphy – one of our greatest broadcasters and journalists who really set the standard. A nice man who was friendly to young reporters, a great mentor to so many https://t.co/CrVcfWD8bF
— Peter Ryan (@Peter_F_Ryan) October 20, 2020
