Penny Spence, Pioneering Australian TV Presenter, Passes Away at 83

Penny Spence, a trailblazer in Australian television and one of the country's first female newsreaders, has passed away at the age of 83. The announcement of her death, which remains shrouded in uncertainty regarding the cause, was made earlier this month by the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia via their social media channels. Spence's legacy is significant in the evolution of news broadcasting in Australia, particularly for women in the field.

Born in 1942, Penny Spence rose to prominence in the late 1960s, marking a pivotal moment in the media landscape as a pioneering woman in journalism. She became widely recognized for her role as the inaugural female newsreader on Australian television, breaking barriers that had previously restricted women from such prominent positions. Her career began at TCN9, the Sydney station of Channel Nine, where she presented the afternoon news bulletin while Brian Henderson occupied the evening slot.

Fiona Dear, Director of News and Current Affairs at Nine, lauded Spence's contributions, stating, "Penny was a trailblazer for women in our industry, laying the path for countless women in television. With two Logies awarded to her, she was one of the country’s most high-profile news presenters for decades, and was one of the icons who made 9News ‘still the one.’ Her legacy lives on in TV newsrooms across the country, and we send our condolences to her family" (Mediaweek, July 2025).

Spence's accolades include a Logie Award for Most Popular Female Personality in New South Wales in 1969, acknowledging her impact on television and her role in shaping public perceptions of female news presenters. After her time at Channel Nine, Spence transitioned to a significant behind-the-scenes role, overseeing children's programming at the network and later serving as Executive Producer for the European Broadcasting Union's children’s unit. Her influence extended beyond news, as she was involved in the production of several notable television series and films, including the 1985 mini-series "Colour in the Creek," which showcased her versatility and talent in the industry.

Tributes from colleagues and industry peers have poured in following the news of her passing. One individual reflected on Spence's contributions to children's television in the 1980s, stating, "I remember Penny as one of the best executives involved in children’s television in the 1980s. Vale." Another shared a sentiment of loss, remarking, “Very sad to hear this.”

In addition to her television career, Spence's works have been preserved by the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, representing her long-lasting influence on Australian media. She is survived by her daughters, Eugenie and Charlotte, and was previously married to Geoff Harvey, Channel Nine's musical director, who passed away in 2019.

As the media community reflects on Penny Spence’s remarkable contributions, her legacy as a pioneering figure in Australian television will undoubtedly inspire future generations of journalists and broadcasters. Her passing marks not only the loss of a beloved figure but also a moment to honor the strides made by women in media, paving the way for more inclusive representation within the industry.