Peter Overton AM

Peter Overton is one of Australia's most trusted and distinguished journalists, serving as the chief newsreader for Nine News Sydney since January 2009. With a career spanning over three decades in broadcast journalism, he has been at the forefront of delivering major news stories to Australian audiences, earning multiple accolades along the way.

Before stepping into the anchor chair, Peter spent eight years as a reporter for 60 Minutes where he could be seen covering compelling stories from around the world and conducting high-profile interviews, including a notably intense exchange with Tom Cruise in 2005. His career began in radio at Sydney’s 2UE in 1985 before progressing to an on-air role. He later moved to Sky Channel, where he spent four years reporting and presenting before joining Nine News in 1991 as a sports reporter. Over time, he became a key figure in Nine’s newsroom, serving as the weekend sports presenter and fill-in anchor while also covering major events such as the Thredbo disaster and the ARL Super League court decisions.

Peter’s leadership at Nine News Sydney has seen the bulletin rise to the number one position in the highly competitive 6pm timeslot, achieving top ratings from 2011 to 2015. His exceptional coverage of major national events, including the Queensland floods and the Blue Mountains bushfires, has earned Nine News prestigious TV WEEK Logie Awards for Most Outstanding News Coverage.

Beyond the newsroom, Peter is deeply committed to community service. He serves as an ambassador and patron for numerous charities, including the MonSTaR Foundation (supporting motor neurone disease research), Special Olympics Australia, the Sydney Children's Hospital Foundation, the George Gregan Foundation, and the Australian National Literacy Foundation. He is also a Co-Patron of the Mental Health Council of Australia and the Peter Hughes Burn Foundation. Additionally, Peter contributes to the Australian Defence Force as a Wing Commander in the Royal Australian Air Force Specialist Reserve, assisting with public affairs.

His contributions to journalism and charitable work were recognised in 2020 when he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM). Outside of journalism, Peter has made cameo appearances as himself in films such as The Tunnel (2011), Pacific Rim Uprising, and Fast X.

With an unwavering dedication to journalism and the Australian community, Peter Overton continues to be a respected media figure, delivering the news with credibility, integrity, and a deep understanding of the stories that shape the nation.