{
  "id": 10615383,
  "title": "Former head of ABC news Peter Manning dies aged 81",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/29/former-head-of-abc-news-peter-manning-dies-aged-81",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-29T05:05:52.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-09-29/nsw-peter-manning-four-corners-producer-dies-aged-81/107207626"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Former head of ABC news and current affairs, Peter Manning, has passed away at the age of 81. Manning is remembered as a colossus of investigative journalism, credited with rejuvenating ABC's Four Corners during its golden age from 1985 to 1989. His daughter, Thea Burke, described him as an incredible journalist and an even better man, emphasizing his embodiment of joy, love, and laughter. Manning received the Walkley Award for Outstanding Contribution to Journalism in recognition of his long and decorated career, which exposed several of Australia's biggest scandals. ABC managing director Hugh Marks praised Manning as one of the great names in ABC journalism and leadership, highlighting his independence, integrity, courage, and journalistic excellence. The Walkley Foundation CEO Shona Martyn described Manning as a colossus of Australian investigative journalism, noting that he inspired generations of journalists. Manning's legacy endures through the standards he set for public interest journalism and the journalists and leaders he mentored.",
  "summary": "His daughter, Thea Burke, said Peter Manning died on Monday morning at Sydney's Royal Prince Alfred Hospital after an illness.",
  "key_points": [
    "Peter Manning, former ABC news head, dies at 81",
    "Renowned for reviving Four Corners in 1980s",
    "Received Walkley Award for journalism excellence"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}