Geoff Raymond
Geoffrey Sinclair Raymond | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1921 or 1922 |
| Died | 2011-01-04 |
| Occupation(s) | Television news anchor, radio newsreader |
| Years active | 1940s–1984 |
| Known for | Lead presenter of ABC News Melbourne (1973–1984) |
Geoffrey Sinclair Raymond (born 1921 or 1922 – died 4 January 2011) was an Australian television news anchor, prominently recognized for his role as the lead presenter of ABC News in Melbourne from 1973 through 1984.
Career
Raymond began his professional journey as a copy boy at Melbourne's The Herald before moving into radio during the 1940s at 3DB, where he worked as a newsreader and gained increasing recognition. By 1956, he had advanced to become the chief announcer at 3UZ, significantly contributing to the development of its news department.
Following a short period working with the BBC in England, Raymond returned to Melbourne to assume the news presenter role at HSV-7, taking over from Eric Pearce. While at HSV-7, he also hosted discussion programs such as Answer Please and co-hosted Take It East. Additionally, from 1959 to 1962, he was involved in HSV-7’s coverage of the Victorian Football League.
In 1970, Raymond transitioned to ATV-0 as a newsreader and subsequently presented the weekly current affairs program The Raymond Report during 1971.
He was appointed chief newsreader for Melbourne’s ABV-2 under the ABC banner in 1973, maintaining this position until his retirement in February 1984.
Throughout his tenure at ABC, Raymond participated in various public engagements including presenting at the National Book Council awards and appearing at Carols by Candlelight. An enthusiastic photographer, he exhibited his Middle East photographs in Sydney and Melbourne between 1979 and 1980, with the intention of promoting improved relations between Israel and Egypt.
Raymond’s departure from ABC sparked controversy when Ralphe Neill was named as his replacement, leading to a twelve-day strike by ABC Television employees who protested against perceived irregularities in the selection process.
After retiring from broadcasting, Raymond took on management of the Tabua Sands Hotel resort in Fiji before returning to Australia in 1986 to oversee operations at the Ferntree Tavern near Mount Wellington, Tasmania.
He passed away in England at the age of 89 on 4 January 2011, with colleagues such as David Johnston paying tribute to his legacy.