9News Queensland has at the moment introduced the retirement of presenter Andrew ‘Lofty’ Lofthouse, to give attention to his well being.
Lofthouse has been with 9 for 17 years, 16 of these alongside Melissa Downes.
He first joined 9News Queensland as a weekend presenter in 2008 earlier than becoming a member of Melissa Downes a 12 months in a while weekday bulletins. He has coated a few of Queensland’s greatest tales, together with the devastating floods of 2011 and 2022, Cyclone Yasi in addition to presenting in Christchurch after the earthquake and in Paris only for 9’s Olympic Video games.
He beforehand had roles with ABC Information tv and radio.
9News Queensland Information Director Brendan Hockings mentioned: “Lofty is a uncommon gem and an distinctive expertise. For somebody so revered, he’s additionally so humble. He’s the journo who presents to hold the tripod. The colleague who makes you a cuppa. The information anchor who doesn’t see himself as any greater than a part of the group. The instance he has set as a newsman is the gold normal. He’s uncommon, he’s cherished and he’s perpetually 9 Queensland. We want him our love and help as he navigates this subsequent interval.”
Andrew Lofthouse mentioned: “I’ve been within the enterprise a very long time. I’ve achieved a heck of quite a bit with 9. It’s been an incredible privilege and a beautiful expertise with the perfect within the enterprise. And naturally, our unimaginable viewers who make all of it worthwhile. I’m presently coping with a little bit of a well being problem so now is an effective time for me to drag again and decelerate just a little after a dream profession. Thanks for watching!”
9News Presenter Melissa Downes mentioned: “Andrew Lofthouse is without doubt one of the true gents of the TV Information enterprise. He’s extremely captivated with high quality journalism, taking an curiosity in each story in our bulletin. Lofty is a lot greater than only a colleague, he’s one in all my closest associates and I’m so extremely grateful for the 16 years we shared on the 9News desk.”
Melissa Downes will proceed to current 9News Queensland till a co-presenter is appointed.
Whereas no particulars have been disclosed round his well being, Lofty’s profession at 9 will probably be recognised on the finish of tonight’s 6pm bulletin.
