Hubbry Logo
Steve LiebmannSteve LiebmannMain
Open search
Steve Liebmann
Community hub
Steve Liebmann
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Steve Liebmann
Steve Liebmann
Steve Liebmann
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Steve Liebmann (born 4 May 1944) is an Australian retired television presenter, journalist and radio broadcaster.

Key Information

Liebmann is best known for co-hosting Today on the Nine Network between 1982 and 1986, and again from 1990 to 2005.

Early life and career

[edit]

Born in Cooma, New South Wales, he attended Monaro High School. He became a journalist in Cooma on Radio 2XL while still in high school. He hosted "Teen Scene" from 5:30 pm to 6:00pm on week days, playing the latest records.

Liebmann relocated to Canberra in 1962 and worked at radio 2CA, before moving to Sydney later in 1962 to take up a position with radio station 2UE. He presented an afternoon news and public affairs program on the station which became the top show in its timeslot. He eventually became director of news and public affairs at the station.

In 1976, he left to join 2SM, and also became the host of Seven's 11AM program, as well as anchoring the station's Sydney evening news. He hosted the Willesee program on several occasions.

As a journalist Liebmann wrote articles for The Bulletin and Men In Vogue.

Today show

[edit]

Liebmann joined the Nine Network in late 1981, to become the inaugural co-host of the national breakfast show Today, alongside Sue Kellaway, staying with the program until the end of 1986, when he joined the Ten Network to anchor TEN-10 Sydney's Eyewitness News, alongside Geraldine Doogue.

He rejoined Today in 1990 and remained at the Nine Network, presenting the program across Australia five days a week, until February 2005. He cited a mild heart attack as the reason for his retirement from the show at the age of 60.[1] he was replaced by National Nine News US Correspondent Karl Stefanovic.

After leaving the program, Liebmann expressed disappointment to an AAP journalist about the content and format of Today under its new management, saying it had become a "poor imitation" of its Seven Network rival, Sunrise.[2]

TV presenting – other programs

[edit]

During 2002 and 2003, Liebmann appeared on television in a counter-terrorism advertising campaign on behalf of the Australian government.[3]

He presented Ten Weekend News in Sydney during 2006, and hosted Crime Investigation Australia on Foxtel, focusing on infamous Australian crimes. He also had a contract with 2UE, as well as doing some corporate work and public speaking.

In December 2009, Liebmann replaced Steve Price as Morning Show host on 2UE,[4] but resigned in November 2010.[5]

Awards and recognition

[edit]

Liebmann is the recipient of several journalistic awards, including the "News Presenter of the Year" from the Australian Commercial Radio Industry and the Penguin Award for Special Recognition for Contribution to News.

He was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in the 2023 Australia Day Honours.[6]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Steve Liebmann

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Steve Liebmann OAM (born 4 May 1944) is an Australian retired television presenter, journalist, and radio broadcaster renowned for his over five-decade career in media, particularly as the original co-host of the Nine Network's breakfast program Today from 1982 to 2005, with an interlude from 1987 to 1990. Born in , , Liebmann began his career while still in high school at local radio station , joining full-time after graduation before moving to 2CA in in 1962. By 1967, he had joined Channel 7 as a editor and on-air presenter, later transitioning to radio at in in 1968, where he rose to director of and public affairs. Liebmann's television prominence grew in the 1970s and 1980s, hosting 11AM and contributing to Willesee at Seven on the Seven Network, before anchoring the 6 p.m. news on Network Ten from 1987 to 1990. He returned to Today in 1990, solidifying his status as one of Australia's most trusted news figures through coverage of major events including the Port Arthur massacre and the September 11 attacks. After leaving Nine in 2005, he continued at Foxtel until 2010, hosting programs like Crime Investigation Australia and presenting during the Vancouver Winter Olympics, while also resuming radio work on 2UE's morning show. In recognition of his contributions to broadcast media as a journalist, presenter, and producer, Liebmann was awarded the Medal of the (OAM) in the . His earlier accolades include the Australian Commercial Radio Industry's News Presenter of the Year and a Penguin Award for special recognition in news. Post-retirement, he has served as a corporate speaker, , and interviewer, drawing on his extensive experience in Australian media.

Early life and education

Childhood and family background

Steve Liebmann was born on 4 May 1944 in , , to an American father, Herbert Liebmann, and an Australian mother, Adele (née Dryen). His family relocated to , , where he was raised in the small rural town serving as the headquarters for the hydroelectric scheme during the post-war era. As practising and members of 's Great Synagogue, the Liebmanns were the only openly Jewish family in , an experience that highlighted their cultural distinctiveness in a predominantly non-Jewish community. Liebmann underwent his bar mitzvah ceremony at the Great Synagogue in , involving weekend flights from for intensive preparatory lessons. This upbringing in a remote, insular town amid familial religious observance contributed to his early awareness of minority identity and adaptability, shaping a that later emphasized personal integrity over strict religious adherence.

Schooling and initial interests

Liebmann grew up in , , where he completed his schooling, including attendance at Monaro High School. During his high school years, he took initial steps into by working part-time as a at the local radio station , an experience that sparked his interest in broadcasting. This early exposure to media in , a town central to the , involved covering local events and honed his on-air reporting skills while still a teenager.

Radio career

Early radio positions

Liebmann began his broadcasting career at Radio in his hometown of , , in 1957, initially while still attending high school. He joined the station full-time after leaving school, working as a and hosting the youth-oriented program "Teen Scene," which aired daily from 5:30 pm to 6:00 pm and featured selections for teenagers. This entry-level role allowed him to develop foundational skills in on-air presentation and local reporting during the early . In 1962, Liebmann relocated to and took up a presenting position at Radio 2CA, where he expanded his involvement in over the next five years. At 2CA, he contributed to segments and general programming, gaining experience in a larger regional market that bridged his rural beginnings with metropolitan opportunities. His tenure there, from 1962 to 1967, marked a period of professional growth in . Liebmann moved to in 1968, joining the newsroom as a senior , which represented his entry into major city radio. He quickly advanced within the station, eventually serving as director of news and public affairs during his early years there, overseeing news operations and presenting afternoon news and public affairs programs. These roles at solidified his reputation in Sydney's competitive broadcasting scene through the late .

Prominent radio roles

Liebmann's tenure at extended into the 1970s until 1976, when he transitioned to as and commentator, delivering daily news bulletins and analysis that highlighted his expertise in current affairs. At , his work as a and commentator contributed to elevating news presentation in commercial radio. After a long hiatus focused on television, Liebmann returned to in December 2009, succeeding Steve Price as host of the Morning Show, where he handled talkback segments on and current events until resigning in November 2010. This comeback role allowed him to reconnect with radio audiences through moderated discussions featuring guest experts and public callers.

Television career

Hosting the Today show

Steve Liebmann debuted as co-host of the Nine Network's Today show on June 28, 1982, alongside Sue Kellaway, marking the launch of the Nine Network's national breakfast television program. The show revolutionized morning broadcasting in the country by introducing a live, two-hour format that combined hard news updates, in-depth interviews with political and entertainment figures, and lifestyle segments on health, fashion, and consumer topics, setting a template for future breakfast shows. During this initial five-year stint until 1987, Liebmann and Kellaway's on-air chemistry, built on their genuine friendship, helped establish Today as a viewer staple, with early episodes featuring high-profile guests such as then-opposition leader John Howard, actor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Charlton Heston, and Paul Newman. His background in radio journalism, where he developed strong interviewing techniques, facilitated this seamless shift to the visual medium. After a brief hiatus to anchor evening news on Network Ten, Liebmann returned to Today in 1990, resuming co-hosting duties with , a partnership that lasted through the early until 1996. This era saw Today solidify its position amid growing competition, maintaining its mix of timely news bulletins—often breaking stories on national politics and international events—and engaging segments like live cooking demonstrations and celebrity chats that appealed to a broad morning audience. In 1996, joined as co-host, forming a stable duo with Liebmann that endured until 2005; their professional rapport contributed to the show's consistent ratings success, with memorable moments including extended interviews with world leaders and coverage of major Australian events like the Sydney Olympics buildup. Liebmann's overall tenure on Today spanned more than two decades, making him the program's longest-serving host and a key figure in its evolution into Australia's premier breakfast news outlet. He departed in February 2005 following a mild heart attack, citing the need to step away from the demanding early-morning schedule at age 60.

Other television presenting roles

Liebmann began his tenure with the Seven Network in 1976, hosting the daytime news magazine program 11AM until 1981, where he covered a mix of current affairs, interviews, and lifestyle segments aimed at homemakers and midday viewers. He also filled in as host on Willesee at Seven multiple times. During the same period, he also anchored the Sydney evening news bulletins for Seven, delivering daily updates on local and national events. In 1987, Liebmann transitioned to Network Ten, anchoring the 6pm Eyewitness News in alongside co-presenter until 1990, a role that emphasized investigative reporting and on-the-ground coverage of breaking stories. He briefly returned to Ten in to present the weekend news bulletins, providing analysis on weekend developments in politics, sports, and community issues. Later in his career, Liebmann hosted on Foxtel's CI channel from 2005 to 2010, a documentary series that delved into notorious Australian criminal cases through expert interviews, police insights, and victim testimonies, highlighting themes of justice and societal impact. He also anchored Foxtel's coverage of the 2010 Winter Olympics, offering live commentary and features on Australian athletes' performances. Throughout his broadcasting tenure, Liebmann made occasional guest appearances on various news formats, including short stints providing expert commentary on current affairs panels for networks like Nine and Ten, drawing on his extensive experience to discuss and journalistic challenges.

Other contributions

Writing and journalism

Throughout his career, Steve Liebmann extended his journalistic work into print media, writing articles for The Bulletin magazine. Liebmann also contributed to Men In Vogue, the men's edition of the British Vogue magazine. In addition to magazine work, Liebmann authored a number of columns for various Australian publications.

Public campaigns and speaking

In 2002, Liebmann participated in the Australian government's "Be alert, not alarmed" anti-terrorism awareness campaign, appearing in television advertisements to encourage public vigilance against potential threats while promoting calm and community reporting of suspicious activities. The initiative, launched in the wake of the and the Bali bombings, featured Liebmann as the narrator and on-screen presence to leverage his trusted broadcaster persona for nationwide outreach. Liebmann also contributed to public health efforts, speaking at the 2005 launch of the Cancer Institute NSW's "Excuses" campaign, which aimed to reduce smoking rates by addressing common rationalizations for tobacco use; drawing from his personal experience as a former heavy smoker, he shared insights to support the anti-smoking message. Following his departure from the Today show in 2005, Liebmann transitioned into a career as a professional speaker, serving as a master of ceremonies (MC), event host, and keynote presenter at corporate conferences, award ceremonies, and charity functions across Australia. His engagements often highlight themes of media ethics, leadership, and resilience, informed by over four decades in broadcasting. Renowned for his engaging style and impartiality, Liebmann has facilitated high-profile events, including interviews with world leaders, royalty, entertainers, and sports icons—building on notable past conversations with figures such as Australian Prime Minister John Howard and U.S. presidents during his on-air tenure. In addition to speaking, Liebmann has served as a for organizations like Waterways, promoting river cruises and travel experiences, and acted as a media for various public and corporate initiatives. His legacy has enhanced his credibility in these roles, allowing him to bridge professional insights with public engagement.

Personal life

Marriage and family

Liebmann married Diane "Di" Liebmann, a Catholic, on 15 February 1969. Although raised Jewish, their two sons, Matthew and Ben, were raised Catholic. The couple relocated to Mosman, a harborside suburb of , in 1979, drawn by its strong educational opportunities for their young sons; they lived there for over 40 years in a family home that became a stable anchor amid Liebmann's demanding broadcasting schedule. In October 2018, after nearly four decades in the property, they sold the Mosman house prior to auction and downsized to a low-maintenance apartment in nearby Cremorne Point. Liebmann's extensive career travels—to locations including the , , and for live news coverage—were supported by Di's management of the household and the family's rooted presence in Mosman, allowing him to focus on professional commitments while maintaining family stability. He has described his over 50-year marriage to Di and the positive upbringing of their sons as the most important aspects of his personal life.

Health and retirement

In 2005, at of 60, Steve Liebmann suffered a mild heart attack, which led to his decision to step down from co-hosting the Today show on the after a 15-year second stint. This health event marked the end of his full-time television career, as he announced his from daily broadcasting to prioritize recovery and a less demanding schedule. Although describing himself as retired, Liebmann maintained selective professional engagements post-2005, including presenting programs for such as until 2010 and hosting the morning show on Sydney radio station from 2010 to 2012. He also pursued corporate roles and opportunities, leveraging his extensive media experience for conferences and events. Liebmann has since embraced a relaxed in Cremorne Point, where he relocated in 2019, engaging in regular physical activity such as playing three times a week at a local club. He enjoys the area's community-oriented "village" atmosphere, frequenting neighborhood spots for coffee and dining, which contribute to his active social routine. In a 2023 interview following his receipt of the Medal of the , Liebmann reflected on his nearly 50-year broadcasting career, noting that it "never thought it was work."

Awards and recognition

Broadcasting awards

Steve Liebmann has received several accolades from the broadcasting industry recognizing his contributions to news presentation and journalism over his extensive career in radio and television. He was awarded News Presenter of the Year by the Australian Commercial Radio Industry. This honor highlighted his fairness, impartiality, and ability to engage audiences with objective reporting during his tenure as a radio host. Additionally, Liebmann earned the Penguin Award for Special Recognition for Contribution to News. The award celebrated his role in shaping news delivery standards in Australia through decades of anchoring major programs, including Nine Network's Today show.

National honors

In recognition of his extensive contributions to Australian media spanning more than five decades, Steve Liebmann was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division during the 2023 Australia Day Honours. This national honor specifically acknowledges his service to the broadcast media as a journalist, highlighting his influential roles in television and radio that informed and engaged audiences across the country. The award, presented by the Governor-General on behalf of the King, underscores Liebmann's enduring impact on public discourse and journalism in Australia.

References

  1. https://www.celebrityspeakers.com.au/speakers/steve-liebmann/
  2. https://www.saxton.com.au/speakers/steve-liebmann
  3. https://www.jewage.org/wiki/en/Article:Steve_Liebmann_-_Biography
  4. https://www.australiannetworkentertainment.com/steve_liebmann.htm
  5. https://mosmancollective.com/lifestyle/my-mosman-veteran-broadcaster-steve-liebmann-on-his-40-years-of-living-local/
  6. https://radioinfo.com.au/news/tanya-wilks-and-steve-liebmann-among-radios-australia-day-honours/
  7. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/17906590
  8. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/263198834
  9. https://aboutregional.com.au/a-treasure-for-those-in-need-coomas-community-chest-set-to-mark-milestone/421930/
  10. https://www.celebrityspeakers.com.au/speakers/steve-liebmann/?speaker=Steve%2BLiebmann
  11. https://issuu.com/monaropost/docs/230316/3
  12. https://9now.nine.com.au/today/steve-liebmann-australia-day-honour-for-longest-serving-today-host/1f4b17d1-4669-4553-8aea-4ab30c0f2582
  13. https://radiotoday.com.au/great-newsreaders-the-past/
  14. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2009-12-11/liebmann-takes-over-from-price-at-2ue/2594104
  15. https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/steve-liebmann-succeeds-steve-price-as-new-2ue-morning-show-host-takes-his-hotseat/news-story/996da4a78f6615d0ab89e589bb49d7c5
  16. https://au.lifestyle.yahoo.com/today-the-long-dramatic-history-of-australias-controversial-morning-show-220047016.html
  17. https://9now.nine.com.au/today/steve-liebmann-sue-kellaway-first-today-hosts-on-the-shows-early-days/cc87a889-3f9c-47f5-83e1-7a2d813fc34e
  18. https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/liebmann-to-leave-today-show-20050110-gdkgjl.html
  19. https://www.foxtel.com.au/watch/tv-shows/crime-investigation-australia.html
  20. https://www.smh.com.au/national/be-alert-not-alarmed-grins-replace-guns-on-anti-terrorism-ad-20021228-gdg11u.html
  21. https://www.cancer.nsw.gov.au/getattachment/65e401d6-c948-4179-804c-58f99074dbf4/2004-2006_cancer_plan_two_year_progress_report.pdf
  22. https://www.successfulspeakers.com.au/steve-liebmann
  23. https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/release/transcript-11185
  24. https://au.linkedin.com/in/steve-liebmann-22463877
  25. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1183064/
  26. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-6331293/Former-Today-host-Steve-Liebmann-sells-Mosman-home.html
  27. https://www.realestate.com.au/news/today-show-legend-steve-liebmann-downsizes-to-cremorne/
  28. https://www.jwire.com.au/2023-australia-day-awards-the-jewish-recipients/
  29. https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/liebmann-unleashes-on-today-20060417-gdndnl.html
  30. https://www.skynews.com.au/lifestyle/arts-and-culture/i-never-thought-it-was-work-former-tv-host-reflects-on-career-after-receiving-oam/video/75a8637fb2db770c845856fac383c5bb
  31. https://www.gg.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-02/AD23%20-%20Media%20notes%20-%20OAM%20(F-L)%2010.2%20No%20Phone.pdf
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.