This morning David Leckie, who led the Nine Network between 1990 and 2001, passed away after a long battle with illness.

In a statement Nine CEO Mike Sneesby said:

“David Leckie was a giant of television.  He contributed enormously to the success we all shared with him here at Nine, his instincts and leadership heralded the golden era of Australian television.

“He adored his family and so many of us stayed in touch as a friend even after he left.  He set the culture of excellence at Nine that still exists in our DNA today and we thank him for that.  We extend our deepest sympathies to wife Skye and his three sons Harry, Ben and Tim Leckie.”