Journalist and newsreader Clive Robertson has died, aged 78, his former network Seven has reported.

Robertson worked across radio and television, hosting Newsworld and TV chat show Beauty and the Beast.

Based in Sydney, Robertson was a well-respected newsreader for many years, working at most TV networks. He began his broadcasting career in 1972 with the ABC before moving to Seven in the 1980s.

Robertson had cancer.

He was frank, expressive and at times controversial, and is credited with helping change the face of the news, at times inserting himself into the bulletin.

He was married for a time to actor Penny Cook, who starred in A Country Practice.

Radio presenter Mike Jeffreys, who worked with Robertson throughout his career, including at 2GB, told the station he had been in touch with Robertson through his recent health issues.

“I was getting texts up until a couple of weeks ago from him. He was Clive to the end, he was quirky to the end,” he said.