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'Inspiring' reporter and journalism educator Jill Singer dead at 60

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Journalist Jill Singer has died at the age of 60.

The award-winning reporter, who also taught scores of journalists while at RMIT University, was diagnosed with a rare blood disorder earlier this year.

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Jill Singer dead at 60

The award-winning journalist and educator has died after being diagnosed with a terminal illness earlier this year.

Her family announced her death on Facebook, remembering her as a "bright life who made a difference".

Former students have flocked to her Facebook page to leave tributes, remembering her as an "inspiring" and fierce educator.

Singer's diagnosis followed a year of being misdiagnosed, with doctors telling her she had depression instead of a terminal illness. She endured electroconvulsive therapy and lost 20kgs before she was correctly diagnosed.

The Walkley Award winner chronicled her medical journey on social media, and in April married her husband, lawyer Anthony Brand.

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The same month, in a column published in The Herald Sun and on her Facebook page, Singer reflected on the past 12 months of her life and the importance of a strong public health system. She also encouraged women to get involved in journalism.

"To all the girls with books and pens, I hope your voices will be heard, that the extraordinary privilege that comes with being published will one day be yours," she said.

"Let no one ever suggest the forces trying to silence our girls and women are just 'in our heads'. There is much work to be done… and so little time to do it in."

Singer began her career as an ABC radio cadet in 1984. After a stint in Albury-Wodonga, she progressed through the ranks of the national broadcaster to land a gig as a senior reporter for The 7.30 Report.

Towards the end of 1994, the ABC appointed her as host of the Victorian edition of The 7.30 Report. Singer was due to start her new role the following year – but the Seven network poached her before Christmas, to host the Victorian version of its new program Today Tonight. (She was replaced by Sarah Henderson, who is now the Liberal Party's MP for the federal seat of Corangamite.)

"[It] is the first real indication of the direction Seven plans to take in its do-or-die battle with Nine's A Current Affair in the 6.30pm time slot in 1995," observed the late Ross Warneke, a columnist for The Age's Green Guide. "The fact that she is so different to anyone who the commercial networks have thrown up as current affairs hosts in recent years suggests Seven is serious this time. She's no Barbie doll.

"Her private life is not the staple fare of the fan magazines. She is not a 'celebrity-reporter', although I would not be surprised if Seven tries to make her one in coming weeks. She is, above all else, a reporter and, most of the time, a very good one."

Today Tonight replaced Seven's previous current affairs show Real Life, hosted by Stan Grant. In 1996, Singer made headlines when she collapsed on air while explaining why a report about the share dealings of then-Victorian premier Jeff Kennett had been pulled.

Singer claimed the story was axed "to placate the premier". However, former Seven network executive Laurie Patton maintained the program was "simply held over" to allow Kennett "the right to respond to the allegations they were making against him". On Twitter, Singer described these claims as "Trumpian lies."

The veteran journalist wrote for The Herald Sun as a columnist between 1997 and 2012, before announcing the then-editor had "boned" her column and replaced it with a story about Lara Bingle.

Singer also taught television journalism at RMIT University.

Professor Martyn Hook, dean of RMIT's School of Media and Communication, said Jill brought the best of her professional experience into the academic world, and inspired a new generation of journalists through her presence in the lecture theatre.

"She was immensely popular among her students and respected as a lecturer always prepared to share her experience and gifts," he said.

ABC director news, Gaven Morris, said in a statement Singer was a "charismatic presence" both behind and in front of a camera.

"Many people here worked with her and remember her fondly and with regard," he said. "All at the ABC extend our deepest sympathies to her family and loved ones."

Singer won a Walkley Award for best TV investigation in 1992 for a story called Baby M. In 1999, she and ABC colleague Neheda Barakat snapped up a Quill for best television and current affairs report.

In 2010, while teaching, she won another Quill with ABC journalist Lisa Whitehead for a television report that examined the flaws in the way the justice system treated domestic violence victims.

A Seven spokeswoman issued a brief statement, saying the network's thoughts and prayers are with Singer's family and friends.

"We remember and respect Jill's energy and passion for journalism and the inspiration she gave to a generation of media professionals," she said.

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