60 Minutes trailblazer Gerald Stone 'was a giant in Australia broadcasting'

Former 60 minutes journalist Ian Leslie paid tribute to the first Executive Producer of 60 minutes, Gerald Stone, honouring him as “a giant” in the Australian broadcasting industry whose legacy continued over several generations.

The trailblazer of Australia’s first current affairs program, 60 Minutes, Mr Gerald Stone passed away on Friday, aged 87.

“I think Gerald Stone changed Australian current affairs more than any other television executive,” Mr Leslie told Sky News host Chris Smith.

“He was a giant in our industry," he said.

“We’re living with his legacy, not just one generation; over several generations.

“It’s the model he established which really set the path for modelling public affairs programs forty years after he started.”

Mr Leslie said working with Mr Stone was a “sheer joy”.

“His skills were multiple, his intellect was enormous, his sense of story, his ethics were unshakeable and his production values brought a whole new dimension to broadcasting,” he said.

“He has no peer in my book.

“We loved him dearly then, we love him dearly now, he was a wonderful human being to work with.”