Comments on: Hitch shares most personal issues

By: PT Ryan

PT Ryan — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 01:02:00 +0000

Seven aren’t the only ones who go straight to the Australian Family Association for moral outrage soundbites. The Herald Sun and even Triple J have done so on numerous occasions. Its disgraceful that this looney fringe group keeps getting airtime.

But back to the topic….

I agree that its a shame that something like this still has to be “news”, but every celeb that comes out gives courage to other people, and that’s a good thing

By: yeah

yeah — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 08:50:00 +0000

I agree with the comment about 7's homophobia.

Has anyone noticed a strong bias of late in channel 7's reporting? I've never seen a network before show comments from an opposition leader before a current Premier, but channel 7 always airs comments by Ted Baileu before Brumby. Always.

Furthermore they constantly rely on the Australian Family Association, a notorious right-wing religious group as a source of information.

Seven's Melbourne also overemphasise religious stories, including 3 minutes on a "search for jesus" as a news story.

But congrats on Peter, wish his competition were more progressive.

By: ka-ching

ka-ching — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 07:03:00 +0000

I am pleased for Peter – that he can now speak out – but it is still a shame that it is something that makes news in itself. So, while Australia is growing up, we’re not there yet.

Funnily enough, I have thought on and off for many years the Peter may well be gay. It’s almost the lack of stories about Peter the person that gave the biggest hint.

I remember Brian Naylor taking over from Sir Eric Pearce, then I remember being so pleased when Peter took over the reins once Brian retired. Channel 9 have been so lucky to have three men of such a high calibre to be their head newsreaders in Melbourne over several decades. They all seem like great guys as well. I hope Peter is around for many more years yet.

By: PT Ryan

PT Ryan — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 23:25:00 +0000

I had heard this on the grapevine for years, but its great that he has finally come out. I’m certain that like Anton Enus, this won’t make one jot of difference to his career, or his audience.

By: craigiej

craigiej — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 04:11:00 +0000

I give it 4 weeks before there is a 7 news Frontline style ad with Peter Mitchell kicking a football in the park with his kids, with his wife watching on…call my cynical..but this is commercial TV after all!

By: Leo_Melbourne

Leo_Melbourne — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 03:59:00 +0000

I havent met Peter but he sounds like a lovely guy – very professional & obviously loves his job!
Very pleased for Peter – I hope the ratings for 9 news goes thru the roof with this – wonderful news!

By: David Knox

David Knox — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 03:49:00 +0000

Bobby, Hitchener’s decision to speak on the matter, as indicated in the full article, is his own rather than managerial ‘go aheads.’ Not sure it’s helpful to speculate on any homophobia from 7 given the article isn’t about them. Indeed Nick McCallum (from 7) was on radio this morning congratulating Hitchener and acknowledging he is a gentleman.

As with Anton Enus, it’s good to see this matter acknowledged, supported and everyone move on.

By: Leith

Leith — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 03:21:00 +0000

Late last year I was fortunate enough to spend a week at GTV9 as part of my professional placement component of my journalism degree. One of my bosses organised for me to sit in on a taping of the evening news, just to see what goes on behind the scenes. When I walked into the studio it was during the first commercial break, Peter was sitting behind the desk and instantly greeted me and thanked me for coming in and made sure someone found me a place to sit with a good view of everything.

When I left at the end of the taping, he thanked me again, wished me well on my studies and said he hoped to see me back in the halls at Nine someday soon in the future. While everyone at GTV9 was unbelievably helpful and friendly, Peter Hitchener went out of his way to make me feel welcome even though he was focused on his work.

I really hope that coming out has taken a huge burden off his shoulders, and serves as a great role model. There should be more people like him around.

By: Bobby

Bobby — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 03:18:00 +0000

Craig you're right about Anthony - he did only come out after being outed.

It seems from reading the article that Peter has wanted to do this for a long time and only now he has been given the go ahead from management at C9.

This isn't news to me I've got to say though - It's been a well known secret for a very long time.

I think it will be interesting to see how C7 responds to this news..

We might be in for a little bit of homophobia from them, I can just see it.. Peter Mitchell the family man, Peter Mitchell representing mainstream Victoria. Peter Mitchell no secrets to hide!

By: johntv

johntv — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 02:57:00 +0000

Well done Peter. A great bloke and a great newsreader – lets just hope the people in Nappy Valley remember that and not let their ignorance get in the way.

Although it will now be interesting if Light FM, the Christian radio station, will continue with their simulcast of National Nine News

By: craigiej

craigiej — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 01:40:00 +0000

Bobby, I agree with your point that its good to see media identities feel comfortable enough to be open about it, I dont know that Anthony Callea chose to be open about it though, from what I recall he had to be pretty much dragged kicking and screaming from the closet after having denied it all through Idol and beyond, he was outed by a radio traffic reporter by accident if I recall,that big dirty pash with his singing partner on “Its Takes Two” recently didnt sit comfortably either..still, hes younger than the others you listed so Is probably still becoming comfortable with it himself.

By: CSIRO BIOSCIENCE

CSIRO BIOSCIENCE — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 23:56:00 +0000

Good on him!

It’s great to hear people feel comfortable enough these days to be open about it.

By: Bobby

Bobby — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 23:10:00 +0000

Well Done Peter, You have made the right decision!

It seems that Australian TV is growing up in that a number of high profile people i.e Tim Campbell, Anthony Calea, Anton Enus, Todd McEnny etc are being true to themselves and it not having any negative impact on them at all..

It's about courage and you just reaveled it in a most personal way.

Many young people will thankyou for being there new role model..

Good on ya Mate!!