“The Australian TV industry has lost a titan”: Tributes flow for Brian Walsh

Mediaweek
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brian walsh

News broke that Walsh had passed away on Friday morning

On Friday morning, news broke that long-time Foxtel Group executive Brian Walsh had passed away. Walsh had been part of the Foxtel management team since the business launched in 1995, and had signed a new agreement with the company last year.

See Also: Remembering Brian Walsh: Icon of the Australian entertainment industry

A statement released by his family – sisters Maureen Walsh, Jeanette Walsh, and Bernadette Walsh as well as Bernadette’s husband Wayne Cooper and Brian’s nieces and nephew – spoke of how they had “no words to say just how heartbroken we are.” 

“He had an extraordinary life and accomplished so much. His contributions were celebrated and widely acknowledged. We will always remember him by his love of family, his generosity and the value he put on a life not wasted but full and well lived.”

There has been an outpouring of grief and love for Walsh, with tributes to ‘Walshie’ coming from every corner of the industry.

Brian Walsh

From Patrick Delany, Foxtel Group CEO: “This is a very difficult day for the Foxtel Group family, for Australia’s creative community and the millions of Australians who watched and loved the stories that Brian bought to life through television. Australia’s creative community has lost a much-loved figure in Brian.  For us, the loss is heavily felt. 

“At the Foxtel Group, Brian was a long-time mentor, a confidant, a colleague and an unwavering friend to so many. Today, we are grieving Brian’s passing. Our condolences go to his family and to those closest to him. We have lost an icon of Australian television that will never be replaced. Rest in peace, Brian.”

From Mike Sneesby, CEO of Nine: “Today’s news of Brian Walsh’s passing is devastating for so many people in our creative industry. I would like to send my condolences to his family and those near to him. Myself and many others across the industry enjoyed a great relationship with Brian over many years and I will personally miss his passion, enthusiasm, loyalty and creativity – he was a great Australian.” 

From Matthew Deaner, Screen Producers Australia CEO: “Today’s news has come as a shock and deeply saddened myself, the SPA team, our members and the Australian screen sector as a whole. Brian’s contributions to Australian television during his career have helped shape Australian culture and identity on screens locally and internationally, and for this, we will be eternally appreciative and grateful.

“Brian was an avid supporter of opportunities to bring about progress and change in our industry and was a key figure over many years at our Screen Forever conference. His commitment, dedication, and drive for the advancement of the Australian screen industry and Australian screen stories – particularly television drama – was staggering and will be sorely missed.”

From Beverley McGarvey, Executive Vice President Paramount Australia and New Zealand: “The network’s close association with Brian goes back almost to the very start of Neighbours. Brian was instrumental in the now – very famous – series relaunch on 10. It was Brian’s commitment to the show that saw it build from poor early ratings to become the juggernaut we all know and love.

“Just a few months ago, Brian came to Nunawading for a set visit. He absolutely loved it and was welcomed back by cast and crew with open arms. It was clear he had never lost that sense of connection. Brian’s passion for television and for the industry is legendary. 

“There is – and in our opinion – will never be a greater TV brain or a greater advocate for local drama or local content. Network 10 and Foxtel’s commitment to Gogglebox is perhaps the best recent example of that. Brian would be responsible for thousands of careers on both sides of the camera. He was one of a kind and will be hugely missed. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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