Veteran ABC newsreader Richard Morecroft has died aged 70 following a battle with cancer, leaving behind a legacy as one of Australia's most trusted and beloved broadcast journalists. He passed away on Tuesday on the NSW South Coast, at a time of his own choosing, with his partner of 36 years, Alison Mackay, by his side.

A spokesperson confirmed the news via Morecroft's Instagram page on Tuesday evening, noting he had been diagnosed with cancer earlier this year. "He was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year and was grateful to go peacefully, with his partner of 36 years, Alison Mackay, beside him," the statement read. "We are devastated to lose such a warm, generous and caring human and hope that all those who knew him, if only through their TV screens, will remember him fondly."

Morecroft is among the notable Deaths in 2026 that have touched the Australian public and media community deeply.

A Broadcasting Career That Spanned Decades

Born in 1956, Richard Morecroft migrated from England to Adelaide with his family at the age of 10. After completing his studies at the University of Adelaide, he joined the ABC and went on to become one of its most recognisable faces.

He anchored the ABC's flagship 7pm news bulletin from 1983 to 2002 — nearly two decades during which he became a nightly fixture in millions of Australian households. Beyond that landmark role, he also hosted the SBS programme Letters and Numbers and the ABC's long-running children's current affairs show Behind The News, demonstrating a versatility that endeared him to audiences of all ages.

In July, Morecroft had shared a candid update about his health on social media, posting a beachside selfie after spending nearly six weeks in hospital at the Chris O'Brien Lifehouse in Sydney. "Soaking up the last rays of the winter sun on a chilly Jervis Bay afternoon," he wrote at the time. "It's heaven to come home."

Tributes Pour In From Colleagues and Leaders

The outpouring of grief following Morecroft's death has been swift and heartfelt, with hundreds of tributes flooding in from colleagues, public figures and viewers alike.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described Morecroft as a consummate professional with genuine warmth. "As the face and the voice of the news of the ABC, Richard became a beloved part of Australian life," Mr Albanese said on Wednesday. He also recalled the well-known story of Morecroft — a passionate environmentalist — occasionally keeping a baby flying fox under his desk while presenting the news. "Richard was a great Australian and we were lucky to have him as part of our lives," the Prime Minister added.

Hugh Marks, the ABC's managing director, paid tribute to Morecroft as one of the "great broadcasters of his generation."

ABC journalist Leigh Sales described Morecroft as a "truly lovely, kind, caring and gentle human," saying she had been privileged to call him a friend after he made a point of welcoming her to the Sydney newsroom when she was a junior reporter. "Richard Morecroft was not only a consummate presenter, he was a true gentleman — generous and courteous to a fault," Sales said. "He was universally admired and respected."

Former ABC presenter Michael Rowland called him a "superb" newsreader and a lovely man, extending his condolences to Morecroft's family and friends.

Among the public, commenters remembered him as "one of the most wonderful human beings on the planet," with many describing him as kind, generous, selfless and inspiring. "My favourite newsreader of all time," one person wrote.

Remembered as Much More Than a News Anchor

While Richard Morecroft's professional achievements were considerable, those who knew him emphasised that it was his character — his warmth, generosity and genuine care for others — that set him apart. His passing marks the end of an era for Australian public broadcasting, and for the many viewers who invited him into their homes night after night for nearly two decades. He is survived by his partner, Alison Mackay.

For more on this story, read our full coverage: Richard Morecroft, beloved ABC newsreader and broadcaster, dies aged 70.