After 50 years at News Corp Australia, legendary sports journalist, columnist and editor, Phil \u201cBuzz\u201d Rothfield has retired.<\/p>\n
Put simply, nobody has had a more significant impact on the game of rugby league than the man known affectionately as \u201cBuzz\u201d.<\/p>\n
His must-read Sunday column, \u201cWhat\u2019s the Buzz\u201d, was the most popular sports column in Australian media for more than 30 years.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat\u2019s the Buzz\u201d and later with \u201cMonday Buzz\u201d, broke the biggest news, set the agenda, and informed our readers on what was happening behind the scenes of the game that binds this city and state together – rugby league.<\/p>\n
Buzz was fearless in his approach, held the powerful to account, and intuitively knew the issues that impacted the most important people in the game – the fans.<\/p>\n
Buzz first walked through the doors of News Corp in 1976 and quickly established himself among the elite of sports journalism. His contact book was unrivalled, and while rugby league is his first love, his first back page story featured a brawl that broke out in a local Aussie rules fixture.<\/p>\n
Buzz would go on to have an impact across the entire sporting landscape. He covered football World Cups, Super Bowls, and was the Olympics editor for News Corp during the 2000 Olympic Games. <\/p>\n
During his career, he also took on the role of Sunday Telegraph deputy editor before being appointed as executive sports editor of The Daily Telegraph and Sunday Telegraph.<\/p>\n
Over the last decade, he has continued to deliver breaking news and hard-hitting opinion as sports editor-at-large. Few stories would have brought him greater joy than his beloved Cronulla Sharks winning the NRL premiership in 2016.<\/p>\n
As a newspaperman, few could match his ability to craft a front or back page that would capture the attention of a city. But with the arrival of social media and the surge in video content, he embraced both wholeheartedly, engaging a whole new generation of sports lovers.<\/p>\n
Daily Telegraph Editor Ben English said: \u201cPhil Rothfield has always been one of the greats \u2013 in journalism, in rugby league and as an eternally larger-than-life presence in The Daily Telegraph\u2019s office.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur newsroom will be much the poorer for the retirement of Buzz, who led generations of reporters by example and by exemplary mentoring. There is not a member of our staff, me very much included, who has not benefited over the decades from Buzz\u2019s input.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat input could be subtle, dramatic, wry or powerful \u2013 much like Buzz\u2019s wide-ranging way with words. He could always find a phrase to suit the exact moment. And, of course, Buzz could always find breaking news where others found silence.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Daily Telegraph will miss our mate Buzz in so many ways. So will his many thousands of readers. One of Australian media\u2019s biggest stars is leaving the stage.\u201d<\/p>\n
Executive Chairman of News Corp Australasia, Michael Miller, said: \u201cBuzz Rothfield is an Australian sports journalism giant. His passion for his craft remains unparalleled and as the media landscape evolved, he was right at the forefront of it. There will never be another like him. Happy retirement, Buzz.\u201d<\/p>\n
Buzz paid tribute to those who supported him during his 50-year career.<\/p>\n
\u201cHalf a century covering rugby league, and the madness that comes with it, is long enough for anyone,\u201d Buzz said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s been the greatest job in the world and there are so many people I\u2019ll make time to thank personally over the next few months – colleagues and contacts alike.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt has been an absolute privilege, but after 50 years of working weekends, it\u2019s time to enjoy life without the stress and responsibility that comes with the job.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m looking forward to just being a fan for the first time in my adult life.<\/p>\n
\u201cMost importantly, a huge thank you to our readers, listeners and TV viewers for being such a big part of the ride.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd finally, my family… I\u2019ve been so blessed to have them put up with me and have their love and support.<\/p>\n
\u201cRugby league is, without doubt, the greatest game of all. And will continue to be.\u201d<\/p>\n
Buzz will sign off this month with one final project – the 100 biggest moments from his 50 years in journalism – to be launched on February 15 in The Sunday Telegraph (NSW) and The Sunday Mail (Qld).<\/p>\n