On October 15, 2024, Australia lost one of its most celebrated journalists, George Negus, after a prolonged battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Surrounded by his family during his final moments, Negus “passed away peacefully,” as described by his loved ones, who also extended gratitude to the healthcare professionals who supported him through the difficult journey.
Key Takeaways
- George Negus, a pioneer in Australian journalism, passed away at the age of 82.
- Besides TV and journalism, he was also a successful author.
- His net worth can be estimated at around $5 million.
George Negus will be remembered as a trailblazer in Australian journalism, an individual whose dedication to the craft brought global issues into focus for millions of viewers.
His sharp intellect, compassionate storytelling, and commitment to making complex subjects relatable ensured his place as one of Australia’s most respected journalists.
George Negus’ Remarkable Career
Born in Brisbane in 1942, George Negus initially pursued a career in education, working as a high school teacher before making a monumental shift into journalism in the 1970s.
He began his media career by writing for The Australian and The Australian Financial Review, where his writing style quickly gained recognition for its sharpness and clarity.
Negus’s big break came when he became one of the founding correspondents for 60 Minutes Australia in 1979.
An icon of journalism.
— 60 Minutes Australia (@60Mins) October 15, 2024
A legendary broadcaster.
A friend to many.#60Mins founding reporter George Negus has sadly died at 82, after a battle with Alzheimer's disease.
We will always treasure the stories and memories he gave us all. pic.twitter.com/2mtB5sAxUs
His fearless interviews with world leaders like Margaret Thatcher and Muammar Gaddafi earned him widespread acclaim, distinguishing him as a journalist who wasn’t afraid to ask tough questions.
His ability to engage with political figures in a direct and respectful manner quickly became his trademark.
However, Negus didn’t limit himself to 60 Minutes as he went on to host programs like Foreign Correspondent and Dateline, focusing on global politics, war zones, and environmental issues.
Negus also hosted George Negus Tonight and 6.30 with George Negus, showcasing his versatility as he navigated topics ranging from politics to popular culture.
Beyond television, Negus was also a successful author.
His books, The World From Islam and The World From DownUnder, became bestsellers, solidifying his status as a thought leader on global politics and cultural issues.
In 2015, Negus was made a Member of the Order of Australia, recognized for his exceptional contribution to media, conservation, and environmental advocacy.
His enduring impact on journalism was further cemented when he won the Walkley Award for Most Outstanding Contribution to Journalism in 2021.
Walkley director Karen Percy praised his “peerless and fearless approach” and iconic presence in Australian media.
Calculating George Negus’ Net Worth From His Impactful Career
While precise figures regarding George Negus’s net worth are not widely reported, a rough estimation of his net worth can be made around $5 million.
This estimation comes from his work across multiple high-profile media portfolios, book deals, and the media company he co-founded with his wife, Kirsty Cockburn.
An average journalist in Australia has an average salary of around $87K per year.
However, Negus has been one of the most senior journalists in Australia, which makes his annual salary significantly higher than others, even in his later days.
During his prime, he was one of the highest-paid journalists in Australia, earning $36K annually in 1982.
Additionally, he has also been one of the employees who earned more than the boss.
In one of the contract negotiations with his boss, Negus was offered 30% higher than what Negus had asked for, securing him a salary greater than his own boss’s.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- George Negus was diagnosed with dementia in late 2021.
- With his wife Kristy, he had 2 children: Serge and Ned.
- He was the director of his own media company, Negus Media International.
