Richard Morecroft’s dulcet tones on ABC news were a virtual comfort blanket for Australians during times of crisis
This opinion piece reflects on the career of Australian newsreader Richard Morecroft, highlighting his empathetic and calming presence on ABC News. The author credits Morecroft with humanizing the newsroom and acting as a source of stability during national crises.
Why it matters
It highlights the evolving role of broadcast journalists as cultural figures who provide emotional stability to the public.
ABC newsreader Richard Morecroft (right) alongside long-time weather presenter Mike Bailey (centre) and director of news and current affairs Max Uechtritz in 2002. Photograph: ABC ABC newsreader Richard Morecroft (right) alongside long-time weather presenter Mike Bailey (centre) and director of news and current affairs Max Uechtritz in 2002. Photograph: ABC Opinion Australian media Richard Morecroft’s dulcet tones on ABC news were a virtual comfort blanket for Australians during times of crisis Max Uechtritz The broadcaster brought heart, soul and empathy to the job, and took new reporters – and baby flying foxes – under his wing
No one disproved Hunter S Thompson’s infamous indictment of television more than Richard Morecroft.
Richard was the antithesis of Thompson’s denunciation of the TV business as “uglier than most things … a kind of cruel and shallow money trench through the heart of the journalism industry”.
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