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Bernie Keenan passes away

Announcement from ABC

Bernie Keenan, the ABC's long serving Chief of Staff in the Sydney newsroom, has died suddenly tonight.

Bernie Keenan had two distinguished careers in television journalism.

He started off his professional life as a cameraman in commercial television working at the highest level including international assignments around the world.

Bernie returned to Australia as a Chief of Staff for the Seven Network and for most of the past decade at the ABC in Sydney.

Outside work he was a fitness fanatic. Running and ocean kayaking were two of his passions. He also had a life-long fascination with aviation.

Bernie was also active in the community and a tireless volunteer for the Little Sisters of the Poor in Randwick.

Director of ABC News Kate Torney said “Bernie drove our news gathering operations in New South Wales and was a central figure across the network. He was a warm and generous colleague and we will miss him greatly.”

Don Lange, the ABC’s Head of News Programming said “Bernie was a stalwart of the newsroom and will be sadly missed in Sydney and around the Network.”