The Australian broadcasting industry is in mourning following the death of veteran sports presenter Clarke Hansen on April 30, aged 84. Hansen had a long and celebrated career, beginning as a newsreader for NRN Channel 10 in Coffs Harbour in January 1965. In 1967, he moved to the ABC, where he became known as an energetic and enthusiastic sports reporter and commentator.
Tributes from colleagues and fans
His death was confirmed on Sunday in a social media statement by fellow sports presenter Dan Lonergan. 'On Thursday night the sports media industry lost one of the best and most respected in the industry; the great Clarke Hansen who had a fine career for many years with the ABC in the 1970s, 80s and 90s,' Lonergan began. 'He called football for years on ABC Radio and TV and also broadcast his favourite sport tennis, the Australian Open where he and another broadcasting legend, Doug Heywood were a great team providing a brilliantly descriptive coverage.' Lonergan added that Hansen was a kind and warm-hearted soul who was beloved across the industry. 'In later years he organised an annual ABC reunion at his beloved Kooyong tennis club. A better and more decent human being very hard to find,' he wrote.
Heartbroken fans took to social media to pay tribute. 'Clarke Hansen was one of the identifiable voices and presenters from my formative childhood years,' one person wrote. 'He has left a positive lasting legacy on millions of grateful people.' Another added: 'A very solid performer. Great voice for radio and great knowledge. May Clarke RIP.' 'So sad to hear this. One of the great footy commentators,' a third chimed in. 'A truly magnificent broadcaster. The likes of which we don't see around today,' someone else wrote.
A distinguished career
Across his career, Hansen frequently covered the Olympic Games, AFL matches, and tennis tournaments. In recognition of his long service, he was inducted into the Melbourne Cricket Ground Media Hall of Fame in 2011. He was also the father of AFL star Ashley Hansen, who played for the West Coast Eagles from 2004 to 2010. Hansen is survived by his wife Kerry and their sons Ashley and Chris.
