A long-running chapter in Queensland regional television came to a close on Monday night, with Channel 7 officially farewelling veteran news presenter Rob Brough during its regional bulletins after almost two decades.
The on-air acknowledgement aired at the end of the night’s news, where current presenter Nathan Spurling addressed viewers before a short montage of clips from Brough’s time with the network was shown.
Spurling thanked Brough for his commitment and contribution to Seven Queensland, marking the end of a lengthy tenure with the broadcaster.
“Rob’s been a familiar and trusted voice across Seven Queensland, and above all, our thoughts are with him and his family,” Spurling said.
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The farewell comes after Brough was last seen presenting the bulletin around 15 months ago, having been on extended personal leave from his regular role across Seven’s regional Queensland bulletins, including the Sunshine Coast, Wide Bay, Central Queensland and Cairns.
His absence prompted speculation online late last year, including unsubstantiated claims on Reddit about an alleged falling out with staff and suggestions he would not return.
A few months later, Seven addressed viewers’ questions in a post shared to its regional Facebook pages, confirming Brough was on long-term compassionate leave to be with his family during a difficult period.
Speaking to ABC News in September of this year, Brough shared that he had stepped away from the desk to support his daughter during treatment for an aggressive brain tumour, describing the period as an intensely challenging time for his family.
Brough’s broadcasting career spans several decades, beginning in radio in the 1970s at regional Queensland stations including 4VL in Charleville and 4WK in Warwick, before moving to larger markets in Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
He later transitioned into television in the mid-1980s, covering sport for ABC Television in Brisbane before presenting sports news on Nine in Brisbane until 1989.
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He became a household name as host of Family Feud Australia from 1989 to 1995, before later joining Seven Queensland, where he went on to front news bulletins and regional programming for almost 20 years until taking extended leave last year.
Presenting duties have since largely been shared by co-host Joanne Desmond and former sports presenter Nathan Spurling, who are expected to continue in the roles, with both familiar faces to viewers prior to Brough’s absence.
Channel 7 were approached for comment about this story.
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