Ian Ross (newsreader)
Ian Ross | |
|---|---|
| Born | Ian Charles Ross 24 June 1940 Australia |
| Died | 30 April 2014 (aged 73) Tugun, Gold Coast, Australia |
| Other names | Roscoe |
| Occupation | Television news anchor |
| Years active | 1957–2009 |
| Known for | Seven News, Nine News |
Ian Charles "Roscoe" Ross (24 June 1940 – 30 April 2014) was a prominent Australian television news anchor, recognized for his work with Seven News in Sydney and Nine News.
Career
Widely referred to as "Roscoe," Ross launched his broadcasting journey in 1957 at Sydney’s radio station 2GB. He made his return to Sydney in 1965 as a reporter for National Nine News, where he remained for 38 years. During his tenure at Nine, he became particularly noted for presenting the news segment on the Today show and regularly served as a substitute anchor on National Nine News. In 1997, Ross portrayed himself in the Australian movie The Castle.
After retiring, Ross resumed his career in Queensland by joining the Seven Network in 2003. His goal was to revitalize Sydney’s struggling flagship 6:00 pm news broadcast. Although progress was evident in 2004, with the bulletin securing 13 weekly wins out of 40, Seven News still ranked third behind Nine News and Ten Eyewitness News. By 2005, however, it had ascended to become Sydney’s leading news program.
Prior to retirement, Ross anchored Seven News in Sydney from Sunday through Wednesday, while Chris Bath handled the Thursday to Saturday slots. Previously, Ross presented Monday to Thursday until Bath took on hosting duties for Sunday Night.
Ross delivered his final Sydney Seven News broadcast on 27 November 2009, marking his official retirement with a heartfelt goodbye to viewers and colleagues alike.
Additionally, he appeared as a guest on the premiere episode of Seven Network’s The Daily Edition.
Illness and death
In January 2014, at the age of 73, Ross revealed that he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer that had metastasized to his liver, with doctors estimating a prognosis of approximately five months. He passed away on 30 April 2014 at John Flynn Hospital located in Tugun on the Gold Coast. Ross is survived by his partner Gray Bolte, his former wife, children, grandchildren, sister Robin, and step-brother Max. His funeral service was held on 5 May 2014 at the Gold Coast and was attended by colleagues such as former Today hosts Steve Liebmann and Tracy Grimshaw, along with Seven News figures Mark Ferguson, Chris Bath, Jim Wilson, and Mark Beretta.