Veteran Australian TV journalist and presenter Caroline Jones dies, aged 84

Australia's media industry is mourning the death of veteran journalist and presenter Caroline Jones AO, who is being remembered as "a pioneer in journalism (and) a trailblazer for women".

The former Four Corners host died this week after a fall in her Sydney home. She was 84.

Jones was the first female reporter for This Day Tonight in 1968 and later became the first female anchor of Four Corners, remaining in the chair from 1972-1981.

The Logie award-wining presenter then started hosting Australian Story in 1996 and 20 years later announced she would be stepping down from her role and leaving the ABC, in 2016.

Australian Story executive producer Caitlin Shea confirmed Jones' death in a statement on Friday.

"It's with great sadness that we announce that Caroline Jones, our dearly loved presenter of Australian Story for many years, has died," Shea said.

"Caroline's contribution to Australian Story is immeasurable. The program wouldn't be where it is today without her."

Praising her team spirit, Shea added that post-retirement the former host would regularly check in with the team.

"Even after her retirement, she would regularly make contact to cheer us on from the sidelines," she said.

"And she always promised she would do one last introduction for us.

"Caroline was a pioneer in journalism, a trailblazer for women.

"We just wish she would have let us tell her Australian Story. She was truly deserving of it."

Jones, who is also a published author, was made an Officer of the Order of Australia in 1988 and the following year was voted an Australian Living Treasure by the National Trust of Australia.

As of 2009, a portrait of Jones hangs in the National Portrait Gallery and in 2021, Jones was inducted into the Australian Media Hall of Fame.