Sam Chisholm (AO) | |
|---|---|
| Born | Samuel Hewlings Chisholm 8 October 1939 New Zealand |
| Died | 9 July 2018 (aged 78) |
| Education | King's College, Auckland |
| Occupation | Media Executive |
| Known for | Association withNine Network |
Samuel Hewlings Chisholm[1]AO (8 October 1939 – 9 July 2018) was aNew Zealand-born Australian media executive who was a significant figure in the Australian media.
Chisholm attendedKing's College, Auckland.
Chisholm had been for several years the sales director ofKerry Packer'sChannel Nine before he was appointed Managing Director in 1975. During this time the Network enjoyed a period of unprecedented ratings and revenue success to become Australia’s No 1 television network.[2] In 1988 Kerry Packer sold the Network toAlan Bond In 1990 Chisholm moved to the UK to work for Packer's rivalRupert Murdoch, rescuing the newly established British Sky BroadcastingBSkyB from financial problems after the merger ofSky andBritish Satellite Broadcasting. In 2000, he returned to Australia, and in 2003 received a double lung transplant.
On 25 November 2013 he was appointed an Honorary Officer of theOrder of Australia.[3]On 19 February 2014 he was awarded theKing's College honours tie inAuckland,New Zealand for outstanding achievement in his selected career.[4]
When leading Australian television personalityGraham Kennedy became ill in his later years, an anonymous benefactor came forward and donated a substantial sum (reported to beA$150,000) for Kennedy's ongoing support and health care. On 27 May 2005, two days after Kennedy's death, his close friend and carerNoeline Brown confirmed that the benefactor was Sam Chisholm.[5]
Chisholm died on 9 July 2018, after a short battle with an illness, with his wife Sue and daughter Caroline by his side.[6]