Graham McNeice was an icon of Australian sports broadcasting and an acclaimed documentary producer.
Sadly, McNiece took his last breath on Thursday, September 12, 2024, after a short battle with illness at the age of 76.
Highlights
- Graham McNeice sadly passed away on September 12, 2024, due to complications of an undisclosed illness.
- He grew up in Australia with six siblings and started his official broadcasting career at 17.
- Sydney Race Caller Darren Flindell said that Graham dealt with numerous health problems this year.
The horse racing and media worlds are mourning the passing of an industry icon, Graham McNeice. Racing NSW’s CEO, Peter V’landys, wrote,
“Graham McNeice was not only a legend in media but a giant in the racing industry,”
Peter V’landys AM
Sydney entrepreneur John Singleton described Graham as an extraordinary man. He said,
“It’s a very sad day, we have lost a beautiful soul,” “No one has a bad word to say about Graham and that is so rare in the media industry.”
John Singleton
Moreover, his broadcasting partner Ray Warren gave tribute to Graham with a special message. He wrote,
“Graham was a great friend, rich in sincerity,” “He was meaningful, helpful, charitable and highly ambitious. His work ethic was incredible, he was prepared to work eight days in seven.”
Ray Warren
Graham McNeice Started His Broadcasting Career At The Age Of 17
Graham McNeice was born in 1948 in Croydon Park, Australia. He grew up as one of six children and became a greyhound caller, firstly under the wing of mentor Frank Kennedy at 17.
Later, he was appointed full-time understudy at Radio 2UE race caller Des Hoysted. He also had the odd race meeting midweek when Des was unavailable.
Vale Mr Graham McNeice – https://t.co/5juqDFCuPC pic.twitter.com/4djilxaZQR
— Racing NSW (@racing_nsw) September 12, 2024
Eventually, Graham moved into the television industry and had a long association with Channel 10 as a producer, leading him to become one of the pioneers of satellite sports television in Australia.
He also became the founding executive producer of Club Super Station, which later evolved into Sky Channel.
Since then, the Sky Channel has been beaming into pubs and clubs, with McNeice as the primary host.
It was a historic day in 1988 when the races were first broadcast into homes. He served 12 years as host of the popular Sunday morning program, Racing Retro.
Later, Graham moved to produce many outstanding sports and documentaries through his company, Shadow Productions.
He is known for producing the 2005 TV series CIA: Crime Investigation Australia and the 2010 Australian Families of Crime.
However, with his growing age, he started getting sick and had numerous health problems.
On behalf of all at Sky Racing, we wish to pay our respects to the late Graham 'Shadow' McNeice.
— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) September 12, 2024
Graham was an icon of Australian sport, racing and broadcasting who helped make Sky Racing a household name. But most importantly, he was a great friend to many. Rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/LHiu8hVI1q
According to famous Sydney Race Caller Darren Flindell, McNeice went through various health-related problems this year before passing.
Flindell took to his official Twitter handle and said,
A profound loss for many in our industry today, with the passing of Graham “Shadow” McNeice at age 76. Shad’s the most selfless,caring man I have had the honour to call a close friend. Dealing with numerous health issues this year, Graham passed peacefully today, feeling much loved by his family and vast array of friends, many of whom had their careers shaped and nurtured by this brilliant man. The founder and Godfather of SKY CHANNEL can now join his old chums CK and WALSHY high in the Sky tonight. Rest well my dear friend
Darren Flindell
However, Darren did not mention the exact health problems Graham McNeice was dealing with.
Additional Information
- The face of Sky Channel, Graham McNeice, had an estimated net worth of around $3 million.
- Graham McNeice directed a documentary movie, Surfabout 1981.
- He led Channel 10’s coverage of the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles.
