Sky, Network 10 & Foxtel veteran Brian Walsh dies aged 67

Brian Walsh

Australian TV veteran Brian Walsh has died, aged 67.

The Australia media exec started his career with the ABC in Oz before moving onto Network 10 in the 1980s, where he played a key role in acquiring Neighbours after its cancellation by Seven Network.

He also worked on shows including Aussie prison drama Wentworth and more recently, the hit sitcom Colin From Accounts that was last week picked up by the BBC in the UK.

He was most recently working as exec director of original drama at Foxtel, which he had helped to co-found 25 years ago.

Patrick Delany, Foxtel’s CEO, said: “This is a very difficult day for the Foxtel Group family, for Australia’s creative community and the millions of Australians who watched and loved the stories that Brian bought to life through television.

“Australia’s creative community has lost a much-loved figure in Brian. For us, the loss is heavily felt.”

The Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards tweeted: “It is with heavy hearts that AACTA acknowledge the passing of one of Australia’s most distinguished television producers, Brian Walsh.

“Brian was a dearly loved member of our AFI/AACTA family for over twenty five years and an AACTA Board member since 2016.”

Tony Burke, Australia’s minister for the Arts, wrote on Twitter that he was “devastated” at the news.

“Countless Australian stories were told and careers forged because of Brian’s vision, commitment and innate understanding of great storytelling.”