Peter Ryan.
Peter Ryan, the ABC’s senior business correspondent, is retiring due to ill health after 45 years as a journalist.
He began his career as a copyboy and cadet on Sydney’s Daily Mirror as an 18 year old. At the ABC, he’s been the Washington bureau chief, head of TV news and current affairs in Victoria, executive producer of Business Breakfast and founding editor of Lateline Business, which later became The Business, and Business.
“A few words of editorial advice. Avoid cynicism – be passionate,” he said.
“A good team can often be a very small team – I've worked in some of the best. Be proactive – come to the table with a great story so no one else comes up with a dud that might waste your time.
“Work closely with top people – shut up and absorb like a sponge. Maintain a fastidious contact book – some low-profile contacts could soon move into higher powered roles or more importantly work in backrooms where the big decisions are often made.
“Show up to work early and prove that you’re ready to take on the big story of the day. Try to have a Plan B in your back pocket just in case your original brilliant idea doesn’t go anywhere and the EP comes walking your way.
“Finally: Be kind and caring to people who need it.”
Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers described Ryan as an absolute legend.
“Every day as you wake up and you think about what's happening in the economy, if you only needed to listen to one voice to be sure that you got its essential elements, it would be Peter's,” Chalmers said.
Ryan won a Walkley Award for his expose on the Commonwealth Bank scandal. His coverage contributed to the calling of the banking Royal Commission and in 2018.
In 2022 he was recognised with the Order of Australia Medal for his significant service to journalism. He was founding chairman of the Kennedy Foundation.
Listen to The World Today’s tribute to Peter Ryan
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