Veteran ABC journalist Peter Ryan OAM, renowned for his sharp business insights and calm authority behind the microphone, has sadly passed away at the age of 64 — just a month after stepping away from the profession he helped define.
Ryan retired in June 2025, revealing he was entering palliative care following a long battle with metastatic thyroid cancer, which he was first diagnosed with in 2014. He passed peacefully this week, surrounded by family and loved ones.
🎙️ A Legacy Etched in Journalism
Peter Ryan’s name has been synonymous with trustworthy, insightful journalism for decades. Starting as a copy boy at Sydney’s Daily Mirror in 1980, he rose through the ranks to become ABC’s chief business and finance correspondent, as well as Washington bureau chief and head of TV news and current affairs in Melbourne.
In 2022, he was awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for his outstanding contribution to journalism — a recognition that cemented his place as one of Australia’s most respected media figures.
ABC news director Justin Stevens paid tribute to Ryan’s impact, saying:
“Peter leaves a significant legacy. Through his mentorship, friendship and professionalism, he directly touched the lives of many at the ABC. Through his journalism, he had a profound impact on the lives of Australians and our society.”
📻 The Trusted Voice of the Economy
Ryan was the voice many Australians turned to when they wanted clarity on complex financial matters. His ability to break down dense economic issues into simple, accessible terms earned him the trust of both the public and the highest levels of government.
Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers summed it up perfectly:
“If you only needed to listen to one voice to be sure that you got the essential elements [of the economy], it would be Peter’s.”
✍️ A Journalist to the End
Even in retirement, Peter Ryan’s humility and clarity shone through. Reflecting on nearly five decades in journalism, he famously said:
“Never let anyone tell you the good old days were really that good – that’s a bit of a myth.”
He added:
“For me in the end it’s all about being a reporter out in the real world telling it as it is… I’m always chuffed when people say I can break complex issues into three good parts. That, to me, means more than a shelf full of awards.”
💔 A Final Goodbye
Peter Ryan is survived by his wife Mary and daughter Charlotte. His loss will be deeply felt across the media industry and by countless Australians who relied on his steady reporting voice over the years.
As journalists, colleagues, and audiences say farewell, we remember not just a man who delivered the news, but one who helped shape the story of modern Australian journalism with integrity, depth, and grace.
🕯️ Rest in peace, Peter Ryan OAM. Your voice may be silent now, but your words and impact will echo for generations.
reporting by April Glover, 9News
Summary :
Peter Ryan OAM, a well-known ABC journalist in Australia, has passed away at the age of 64, just weeks after he retired in June 2025. He had been fighting thyroid cancer since 2014 and was in palliative care when he died peacefully with his family.
Peter worked in journalism for nearly five decades. He started in 1980 and became ABC’s chief business and finance reporter, and even worked in Washington, USA. He was loved for his clear and calm way of explaining complex news, especially about money and the economy.
In 2022, he received the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for his contributions to journalism. Many people, including ABC staff and the Federal Treasurer, praised his honesty, talent, and the trust he built with the public.
Peter Ryan leaves behind his wife Mary and daughter Charlotte. He will always be remembered for his dedication, humble nature, and powerful voice in Australian journalism.