Dr Keith Suter, the respected foreign affairs editor and long-time contributor on Channel Seven’s Sunrise, has died aged 77. He passed away peacefully in hospital this week, colleagues announced on Sunrise on Friday, December 12.
Fast Facts
- Age: 77 — passed away “peacefully” in hospital this week.
- Role: Sunrise’s foreign affairs editor and frequent Channel Seven commentator.
- Credentials: Held three doctorates and chaired numerous international bodies.
- Announcement: News shared by Natalie Barr and Matt Shirvington on Sunrise.
- Tribute: Weekend Sunrise will air a special tribute on Saturday, December 13.
Sunrise hosts Natalie Barr and Matt Shirvington opened the bulletin with a sincere tribute: “Before we head to the news, we just wanted to pay a quick tribute to a close friend and member of this Sunrise, Dr Keith Suter, who passed away peacefully in hospital this week. Keith has been part of the Sunrise and Seven family for so many years, the most brilliant mind, a calm and trusted voice on some of the most complex stories, and a joy to work with behind the scenes as well. He helped explain wars, elections and global crisis upon crisis, but he always did it with measure so people felt safe, and this morning our thoughts are with his beautiful family.”
Samantha Armytage, who co-hosted Sunrise from 2013 until 2021, shared her sadness on Instagram: “Very sad to hear of the passing of Dr Keith Suter overnight. He was a wonderful man. He guided us through many of the biggest world issues of our time—with grace and humour. You could talk to him all day, and often during breaking news, we did.”
The Legacy
Dr Keith Suter built a reputation as one of Australia’s most trusted commentators on international affairs. His top achievements include:
- Longtime Foreign Affairs Editor and on-air expert for Channel Seven’s Sunrise, guiding viewers through wars, elections and global crises.
- Academic distinction: he held three doctorates and brought scholarly rigour to broadcast analysis.
- International leadership: he chaired numerous global bodies and was a regular radio contributor on world events.
Colleagues described him as “the most brilliant mind, a calm and trusted voice” and praised his ability to make complex matters accessible. His measured delivery and warm presence made him a go-to expert during breaking news for both television and radio.
Social Reaction
Tributes poured in from Sunrise staff, past co-hosts and the wider media community. Natalie Barr and Matt Shirvington led the on-air tribute, while Samantha Armytage’s Instagram message echoed the sentiment across social feeds. Channel Seven has confirmed Weekend Sunrise will present a special program on Saturday, December 13, to honour his life and contribution to journalism and international affairs.
For many viewers, colleagues and listeners, Dr Suter’s calm expertise and collegiality were constants in an often turbulent news cycle. This weekend’s tribute will offer a chance to reflect on his work and the guidance he provided to generations of Australians.
Image Referance: https://www.newidea.com.au/celebrity/sunrise-dr-keith-suter-death/