It has been a busy night in Canberra for politicians and TV news executives.
An event for Free TV featuring TV news chiefs has coincided with a farewell for Sky News political editor who is relocating to Melbourne as he joins the ABC.
The Australian reported Sky News Australia chief executive Paul Whittaker said Speers helped build Sky into a “leader in political news and national affairs coverage”.
Other guests at his farewell included Scott Morrison, Anthony Albanese and politicians from both sides of the house.
Guardian Australia political editor Katharine Murphy said Speers’ was “saying farewell in characteristically classy fashion, thanking the mentors and colleagues”.
Former Sky News colleague Jennifer Bechwati, now with Seven, called Speers: “Undoubtedly one of the best political journalists of our generation. A great mentor and friend.”
Canberra power broker Grahame Morris said: The most extraordinary collection of politicians and journos at David Speers’ farewell from Sky News tonight. Without a doubt the most influential journalist in Australia since Laurie Oakes.”
Karen Middleton from The Saturday Paper said: “Tributes from across the political spectrum – a testament to the quality of his work.”
Meanwhile, Free TV Australia was hosting an event at Parliament House in Canberra on the eve of the Government handing down its response to the ACCC Digital Platforms Inquiry.
The event included a panel discussion moderated by Seven Network’s Melissa Doyle.
The event was co-hosted by Free TV CEO Bridget Fair and the co-chairs of the Parliamentary Friends of Free TV Group, Senator Andrew Bragg and Susan Templeman MP.
See also:
TV news directors from Seven, Nine, 10, Prime & WIN lobby Canberra