Veteran Australian journalist Mike Willesee has died following a battle with throat cancer (AAP Image/ Eka Nickmatulhuda) 

Veteran Australian journalist Mike Willesee has died following a battle with throat cancer.

Willesee started his 50-year television career with the ABC before high-profile periods with the Nine and Seven networks.

The 76-year-old was known for his uncompromising interview style and willingness to push the envelope.

His famous interview with former Opposition Leader John Hewson on the GST was widely credited with changing the course of the 1993 federal election.

Born on June 29, 1942 in Perth, Western Australia, Willesee was the son of ALP Senator Donald Willesee.

He was first introduced to Australian audiences in 1967 on the ABC current affairs program This Day Tonight.

The journalist's fearless interviewing style earned the wrath of many of his subjects but also made him an influential figure.

In April 1967 the Holt government decided not to reappoint ABC Chairman Dr James Darling - a move attributed to Willesee's critical coverage of Holt's policies on the ABC.

Willesee went on to host the ABC's flagship current affairs program Four Corners from 1969 to 1971.

That year commercial television beckoned so Willesee shifted to the Nine Network as host of A Current Affair.

Legendary television journalist and #9ACA’s first host Mike Willesee has sadly passed away after a lengthy battle with throat cancer, aged 76. Our thoughts are with his family during this time. pic.twitter.com/tl1YN4m3ri

— A Current Affair (@ACurrentAffair9) March 1, 2019

In 2002 he was inducted into the TV Week Logie Awards Hall of Fame.

Deeply saddened to hear that our colleague and TV legend Mike Willesee has passed away. Our thoughts are with his family. We’ll remember an incredible journalist, tenacious and tough. A loss for our industry. #sn7 #7news pic.twitter.com/frCLuecanD

— Melissa Doyle (@melissadoyle) March 1, 2019

 

What a legend interviewer and journalist was Mike Willesee I was a massive fan watching him grow RIP to a great media man. pic.twitter.com/thXJkpCs46

— Steve Hart (@SteveHart10News) March 1, 2019

I'm so thankful for journalists like Mike Willesee. What an example he set! He will be sorely missed! https://t.co/OSlwhh4daa

— Kendall Gilding (@KendallGilding7) March 1, 2019

 

If you grew up in Australia in the 80s, Mike Willesee was very much part of the fabric of our family TV viewing. Always brought a friendly and very human element to his reporting; his stories were always warm and his style engaging. Fond memories watching him as a kid. RIP.

— Jane Gazzo (@JaneGazzo) March 1, 2019

Very sad to report the death of veteran reporter Mike Willesee. Nothing less than a legend. A man of enormous faith & put up a brave battle in recent years.

— Peter Ford (@mrpford) March 1, 2019

© AAP 2019