Australia’s children's television landscape now mourns the loss of one of its pioneering figures, Tim Brooke-Hunt, who passed away at 76 after a prolonged illness.
A transformative force in children's media, Tim Brooke-Hunt died surrounded by loved ones, leaving a remarkable legacy at ABC Australia, according to Suggest.
Major publications, including The Sydney Morning Herald and ABC, confirmed Brooke-Hunt's passing, marking the end of an illustrious career that significantly shaped children's programming in the country. Born in the United Kingdom, he began his journey in media long before his move to Australia in the 1970s. Before dedicating his career to children's television, he earned an MBA from the University of Virginia's Darden School of Business and qualified as a chartered accountant in London.
He marked his transition to the media sector with significant contributions spanning over four decades, starting in London and flourishing in Australia. In the 1970s, Brooke-Hunt immigrated to Australia, where he eventually became a household name in children's television.
Brooke-Hunt’s leadership prowess extended across multiple organizations; he held pivotal roles at Beyond International and Yoram Gross Film Studios and co-founded Sticky Pictures in 2002. However, he made his most notable contributions during his tenure at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).
In 2007, he joined ABC as Executive Head of Children's Content and was later appointed Controller of Children's Content in 2010. Under his stewardship, ABC children's programming flourished, leading to the launch of ABC3 and the relaunch of ABC4Kids, now staples in Australian children's television.
He commissioned innovative shows such as "My Place," "Dance Academy," and "Giggle & Hoot," which have become beloved by audiences and critical highlights of ABC’s children's programming. These shows not only entertained but also enriched the viewing experience for children across Australia.
Richard Finlayson, ABC Television's director at the time, commented on his departure, highlighting Brooke-Hunt's significant role in ABC's success. "There is no doubt that the dominance of ABC TV in the children's area has been one of the great success stories for the ABC, and this has been achieved under Tim's leadership," Finlayson said.
After leaving ABC, he served as board president of Flying Bark Productions and played a crucial role as a founding director of the Kidscreen Asian Animation Summit event. This international engagement underscored his influence beyond Australian borders, as he mentored and inspired a new generation of content creators in the rapidly growing field of animation.
Michael Carrington, a contemporary in the children's television industry, expressed his deep admiration on LinkedIn: "He was more than a brilliant industry colleague—he was a friend, and we shared an incredible journey through children's TV together. His influence didn't stop at Australia's borders—Tim played a key role in international collaborations through his work." Carrington's words resonate with many who knew Brooke-Hunt, depicting him as an individual who not only shaped but also deeply cared for the industry.
Friends and colleagues remember Brooke-Hunt not only for his professional achievements but also for his personal qualities. They knew him for his patience, kindness, and unrelenting belief in creative potential, qualities that made him a beloved mentor to many.
As tributes pour in, the industry reflects on losing a man who served not only as a leader but also as a visionary in children's media. His passing marks the end of an era for Australian children’s television, yet his legacy will live on in the generations of children and producers who grew up with and found inspiration in his work.
