Former head of ABC News Peter Manning dies aged 81

Former head of ABC news and current affairs, Peter Manning, has been lauded as a "colossus" of investigative journalism after his death at the age of 81.

Manning was credited with rejuvenating ABC's Four Corners when it faced the axe, leading it through a golden age from 1985 to 1989 as executive producer.

His daughter, Thea Burke, said he died on Monday morning at Sydney's Royal Prince Alfred Hospital after an illness.

"Dad was an incredible journalist, but he was an even better man," Ms Burke said.

"He embodied joy, love and laughter and taught us the meaning of living a big and full life with those you love.

"We are so proud of everything he was and carry that with us forever in how we navigate and see the world. We are filled with gratitude today to have had him as ours."

Last year, he received the Walkley Award for Outstanding Contribution to Journalism for a long and decorated career that exposed some of Australia's biggest scandals.

In a statement, ABC managing director Hugh Marks said Manning was "one of the great names in ABC journalism and leadership".

"His name is synonymous with independence, integrity, courage and journalistic excellence," he said.

"His legacy endures in the generations of journalists and leaders he mentored and in the standards he set for public interest journalism.

"He remains a beacon for all of us who believe in the vital role of independent, fearless and principled reporting."

Walkley Foundation CEO Shona Martyn said Manning was regarded by his peers as a "colossus of Australian investigative journalism".

"Generations of journalists have been inspired by his visionary leadership during a career that spanned TV, print and journalism education over more than 60 years," she said.

"He was known for his integrity, incredible news instinct and for a steadfast determination to back his troops to get the stories out."