Mark Colvin (13 March 1952 – 11 May 2017) was a British‑born Australian journalist and broadcaster best known as the presenter of PM, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's evening radio program, a role he held from 1997 until his death in 2017. Born in London, he moved into Australian public broadcasting and became a familiar voice and face to listeners and viewers across the country.
Career and major roles
Colvin's work spanned many of the ABC's principal news and current‑affairs outlets. He combined field reporting with in‑studio presentation and held positions as a correspondent, host and producer during a long career in journalism. Notable programs and platforms with which he was associated include:
- PM — long‑serving radio presenter and editorial voice for the evening program
- The World Today — national news and analysis on radio
- Foreign Correspondent — international reporting and documentary features
- Four Corners, 7.30 Report and Lateline — contributions to flagship television current‑affairs programs
Reporting focus and style
Colvin reported on a wide range of national and international stories, from politics and diplomacy to human interest and crisis reporting. He was recognised for a clear, measured delivery, careful questioning and an ability to summarise complex issues for a general audience. As a correspondent he worked on international stories that required both on‑the‑ground reporting and thoughtful editorial framing.
Background and influence
Although born in the United Kingdom, Colvin built his career in Australia and became an influential figure in public broadcasting. Colleagues and listeners often praised his steadiness, editorial judgement and mentorship of younger reporters. Over several decades he helped shape the tone and expectations of ABC current‑affairs coverage, providing continuity through changing media landscapes.
Death and legacy
Colvin died on 11 May 2017 in Sydney after an illness reported as lung cancer. He was 65. His passing generated numerous tributes in national media and reflections on his long service to radio and television journalism. Archival material, program pages and contemporary obituaries provide further detail on his work and impact.
For further reading and archival access see broadcaster program pages and biographical summaries held by public media outlets and press coverage in the UK and Australia. Official ABC resources and program archives on ABC Radio offer representative examples of his reporting and presentations.