Peter Ryan was the most admired of all Australian journalists. In doing so, he left an indelible mark on the media landscape before his recent passing. Ryan has built a strong reputation as a versatile team player who works tirelessly to advance the organization’s priorities. He had a distinguished career at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), including stints as Washington Bureau Chief, ABC Business Editor and Senior Business Correspondent. His colleagues and friends mourn his life and look back on his career and contributions. They value the extraordinary kindness that characterized his relationships with everyone he met.
After losing weight, Ryan had wonderful plans for the future. He often spoke of retirement, looking forward to devoting more time to his beloved wife, Mary, and their daughter, Charlotte. His dreams of what was to come crackled with vision and future possibility. This amazing commitment resonated strongly with all who loved him.
Ryan was an essential part of the ABC Audio Current Affairs team. He was a very inspirational presence at the helm of AM, The World Today and PM during his time in that capital city. He was famous for producing original content from a different location every single day. He presented captivating content on everything from News Radio to Radio National, the ABC local radio network and the ABC News Channel. Colleagues appreciated his adaptability and efficiency, often remarking on how he handled technical hiccups with customary aplomb. While making the case on live television, an off-camera voice cut him off. With the same nonchalance that most kids take for granted when they call up, “Hey Dad, lunch is ready!”
Aside from his incredible professional accomplishments, Ryan kept an impressive, detailed contact book. This dedication to detail played out in every single thing that he did. Peter Cave, a colleague, noted, “He maintained a meticulous contact book. It was amazing.” That same attention to detail helped him amass a broad network of contacts and resources across the industry which he was able to connect to.
Ryan’s generosity of spirit was not limited to the outside world. He cultivated real friendships with younger staffers. Once, in preparation for a big outing, he took Khem White — then a high schooler dancer — shopping for a “new quality suit.” Looking back at the unusual honor, White lamented, “I know my wife was happy that I didn’t wear that other large, mothball-smelling, pin-striped suit.” After that day I truly understood how wonderful a person Peter is. He would never miss making you feel like you’re the most important person in the world in that moment.
Even as he entered into semi-retirement, Ryan cast increasingly more vigor into his trade. He worked himself into the ground pursuing each potential big story. His dedication to the craft of journalism never wavered, even during his very last days on the job. His dedication to the art of storytelling was felt all across the industry. Most were impressed by how he turned his home office into a remote anchor studio, delivering breaking business and finance news to national audiences through the pandemic.
Ryan’s passion for music helped shape him as well. As a lifelong Beatles fan, he might have appreciated John Lennon’s timeless quote: “Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.” This feeling is very representative of Ryan’s view on life and work, never looking back and enjoying the experiences that count the most.
In all of his discussions with colleagues about how to be a better journalist and a better person, Ryan always came back to compassion and empathy. He once said, “Be kind and caring to people who need it.” This Principle of Reciprocity is what he used to guide himself throughout his life, personally and professionally, influencing every interaction he had with everyone.
His legacy will be remembered not only for professional accomplishments but for the decency he exhibited towards everyone he encountered. He represented the idea that making an impact in journalism is more important than awards. It’s redefining what it means to be human to one another.
Ryan’s gifts to the craft of journalism were matched by his profound love of literature. His home office featured a wonderfully whimsical framed print of the Penguin cover from Evelyn Waugh’s classic novel “Scoop.” This film was an appropriate final testament to his commitment as an investigative reporter.
When news of Ryan’s passing spread, friends and colleagues from across his life convened to celebrate his memory. They told stories of his quiet and consistent support, his handpicked encouragement of others, the way he served and lifted people and respected everyone’s humanity and dignity. His mantra—”As my father once told me — treat people on the way up, the way YOU want to be treated on the way down”—served as a guiding principle in both his personal and professional relationships.
