Veteran broadcaster Arthur Higgins, whose illustrious career spanned six decades and included coverage of monumental events such as the Moon landing and the September 11 attacks, has died at the age of 85. Known for his deep baritone voice, Higgins earned the affectionate nickname “Big Daddy” within media circles, a testament to his commanding presence and encyclopedic knowledge of sports.
Higgins’s passing was confirmed by his daughter, Gemma Dewar, who expressed the family’s gratitude for the outpouring of tributes. “It’s been wonderful and overwhelming, as his daughter — we just wish that he could have known he had that impact on so many people,” she said.
A Journey from England to Australia
Born in England during World War II, Higgins’s early life was marked by the sound of air raid sirens and the influence of pirate radio stations, which ignited his passion for broadcasting. This passion followed him to Australia, where his family relocated, and he began his career in Brisbane.
Higgins’s early work at radio stations 4BH and 4BC laid the foundation for his transition to television with Channel Nine. It was there, in 1969, that he famously stepped in during a technical glitch to guide viewers through the Apollo 11 Moon landing, a moment that solidified his reputation as a reliable and engaging broadcaster.
Covering Major Events and Sporting Triumphs
Throughout his career, Higgins became a fixture on both radio and television, moving between Brisbane, Canberra, and Sydney. His tenure at Channel Nine in Melbourne saw him cover four Olympic Games, six Sydney to Hobart yacht races, and the America’s Cup, alongside notable newsreaders like Peter Hitchener and Mickie de Stoop.
In the 1990s, Higgins transitioned permanently to radio, becoming a beloved voice for Melbourne Storm games on 3AK. “He was the only one willing to broadcast the Storm games when they first launched,” Mrs. Dewar recalled, highlighting her father’s dedication to his craft and his favorite teams, including the Hawthorn Hawks.
Witness to History: The September 11 Attacks
Higgins’s career was punctuated by moments of historical significance, including his coverage of the September 11 attacks in 2001. While working at 3UZ, now RSN Racing & Sport, he rushed to the studio to provide live updates, even using a microphone to relay CNN interviews to his audience. This adaptability and commitment to delivering the news underscored his professional ethos.
“Excuse me, didn’t you used to be Arthur Higgins?”
Despite his serious work, Higgins was known for his sense of humor, often sharing anecdotes like the time an older lady recognized him during a lunch outing, asking the memorable question above.
Reflections on a Changing Industry
After retiring in Melbourne, Higgins reflected on the evolution of the media industry. He lamented the loss of warmth in the presenter-audience relationship due to the advent of 24-hour news cycles and social media. “There is a lot of warmth missing; the presenters don’t connect with their audience like they used to,” he told Peninsula Essence. “A pet hate of mine is social media. I won’t go near it.”
Arthur Higgins leaves behind a legacy of dedication to journalism and sports broadcasting, survived by his daughters Gemma and Genine, his two brothers, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. His impact on the industry and those who listened to him will be remembered fondly by many.
