Aussie sports and media icon dies
Written by admin on September 12, 2024
Tributes have poured in for Australian TV legend and sports commentator Graham McNeice who has died aged 76 after a short illness.
McNeice was a documentary filmmaker, TV presenter, race caller and sports commentator on radio and television.
His career kicked off after a chance connection with Frank Kennedy, a prominent commentator and promoter in racing and boxing.
McNeice became Kennedy’s protégé and at the age of 17 made a name for himself as a race caller on 2UE.
He earned the nickname Shadow after fellow broadcaster Peter Bosley “Boz” quipped on-air that Graham’s silhouette “cast a giant shadow over Canterbury racetrack.”
McNeice was regular on Good Morning Australia and worked as a sports anchor on Network Ten.
He helped bring satellite television to Australia, and was the founding executive producer of Club Superstation, transforming it into Sky Channel and Sky Racing.
Outside of sports, McNeice had a passion for documentary filmmaking and produced a number of programs including Crime Investigation Australia.
His work included Thanks for Listening, Tulloch, That’s Racing, That’s Rugby League, That’s Boxing, Fenech and The Train – Granville Rail Disaster narrated by the late Brian Henderson.
His latest production The Rise & Fall of Kings Cross will be aired on Network Seven later this year.
He has been praised for playing a role in shaping the careers of television and sporting figures such as Matt Shirvington, Scott Miller, Matt Le Nevez and Pete Overton, with the news broadcaster paying tribute to the man who is the godfather of one of his daughters on Thursday’s bulletin.
Overton paid tribute to McNeice during his news broadcast on Thursday, saying his was the godfather of his daughter.
Sky Racking caller Darren Flindell said on social media it was a profound loss for the industry.
“Shadow was the most selfless, caring man I have had the honour to call a close friend,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
“Dealing with numerous health issues this year, Graham passed peacefully today, feeling much loved by his family and vast array of friends, many of whom had their careers shaped and nurtured by this brilliant man.
“The founder and Godfather of Sky Channel can now join his old chums CK and WALSHY high in the Sky tonight. Rest well my dear friend.”
Jo McKinnon wrote, “I am heartbroken by the passing of one of my greatest friends and colleagues Graham McNeice today.”
“He was an extraordinary man. He gave me a start in the racing media world in 1998 as Sky Channel’s first female anchor,” she said.
“Graham was my boss, mentor and a father figure.
