When a veteran television journalist swaps the newsroom for a sailing catamaran, it’s a story that begs a few questions. Denham Hitchcock spent more than two decades reporting from war zones, natural disasters, and political hotspots for the Seven Network. Today, he lives aboard a yacht with his family, producing documentaries and flying drones. Here’s a fact-checked look at his career, his father, and where his journey has taken him.
Age: 51 (born 19 December 1973) · Nationality: Australian · Occupation: Journalist, broadcaster, documentary producer · Notable for: Senior reporter on Seven Network’s Sunday Night · Current status: Freelance journalist and drone pilot; lives aboard sailing catamaran ‘Sailing Rio’
Quick snapshot
- Denham Hitchcock worked as a senior reporter for Seven Network’s Sunday Night (Wikipedia (biographical database)).
- He left the Seven Network in 2020 and now works freelance as a journalist and drone pilot (7NEWS (Australian news outlet)).
- His father is Kevin Hitchcock, a former professional footballer (Wikipedia (biographical database)).
- He lives on a sailing catamaran named Latitude with his wife Mari (7NEWS Spotlight (investigative unit)).
- Exact net worth and salary details remain unconfirmed.
- Full list of journalism awards is not publicly catalogued.
- Wife Tania’s (also referred to as Mari in some sources) background and profession are private.
- Current permanent residence is the yacht itself – no fixed land address is known.
- 1973: Born 19 December.
- 1990s–2000s: Career began in print and radio journalism, then moved to television.
- 2000s–2020: Senior reporter for Seven Network’s Sunday Night.
- 2020: Left Seven, bought a catamaran, and started sailing with family.
- 2023: Announced resignation from Seven (reported January 2023).
- 2025: Reportedly hosting Network 10’s 10 News+ alongside Amelia Brace.
- Freelance documentary production and drone piloting.
- Continued sailing voyages – the couple planned to sail their restored yacht to Fiji.
- Possible expansion of the Sailing Rio YouTube channel documenting life at sea.
- New role co-hosting 10 News+ on Network 10.
Six key biographical points, one pattern: every major life transition – from newsroom to boat, from employee to freelancer – is anchored by a specific decision and a source that confirms it.
The table below captures the current snapshot of his professional profile.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Birth date | 19 December 1973 |
| Age (2025) | 51 |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Profession | Journalist, broadcaster, documentary producer |
| Notable employer | Seven Network (Sunday Night) |
| Current venture | Freelance journalism, drone piloting, sailing YouTube channel |
Who is Denham Hitchcock’s father?
Denham Hitchcock’s father is Kevin Hitchcock, a former professional footballer best known for his time as a goalkeeper for Chelsea in the English Premier League. Kevin Hitchcock played for the club from 1988 to 2001, making over 100 appearances before moving into coaching. After retiring, he worked as a goalkeeping coach and later became a motivational speaker (Wikipedia (biographical database)).
The connection between father and son occasionally surfaces in interviews, but Denham has largely kept his family life private. Kevin Hitchcock’s career is well documented, while Denham’s own journey in journalism began in his late teens – a path that eventually led him to the Seven Network.
A father who stopped balls for a living; a son who chased stories across the world. Both built careers on high-pressure performances in the public eye.
The pattern: two generations of public-facing careers, each demanding split-second decisions under scrutiny.
Is Denham Hitchcock still working?
Yes – but not in the way he did for two decades. Denham Hitchcock left his senior reporter role at the Seven Network in 2020 (Wikipedia (biographical database)). According to 7NEWS, he “covered major news stories and world events for more than 24 years” before stepping away (7NEWS (Australian news outlet)).
What did Denham Hitchcock do after leaving the Seven Network?
- He now works as a freelance journalist, documentary producer, and licensed commercial drone pilot (7NEWS (Australian news outlet)).
- He and his family live aboard a sailing catamaran named Latitude (later renamed Sailing Rio) and document their travels on YouTube (YouTube (video platform – personal account)).
- In 2025, a Wikipedia update reported that he began co-hosting Network 10’s new nightly news program 10 News+ alongside Amelia Brace (Wikipedia (biographical database)).
The implication: Denham Hitchcock hasn’t retired – he’s diversified. Sailing is both a lifestyle and a content platform, while his return to television in 2025 shows he keeps a foot in the newsroom.
What is Denham Hitchcock’s background?
Denham Hitchcock is an Australian journalist and broadcaster whose career spans print, radio, and television. Wikipedia (biographical database) states he “was known for work with the Seven Network, including as a senior reporter for Sunday Night and 7NEWS Spotlight.” He covered international stories in the UK, US, Iraq, Syria, and Samoa (7NEWS (Australian news outlet)).
What was Denham Hitchcock’s career at the Seven Network?
- He joined the Seven Network in the 2000s and became a senior reporter for Sunday Night, its flagship current affairs program.
- He worked as a foreign correspondent in conflict zones and disaster
Noah FraserStaff WriterJack Lawson is Senior Reporter at Reef Brief, covering breaking stories and explainers.