The Channel Nine and ABC journalist and personality was suffering from prostate cancer and passed away in a Melbourne hospital this morning with his children by his side. He was aged in his 70s.
Schildberger became a familiar face on Australian television after taking over as host of A Current Affair in the 1970s.
He joined Nine in 1955 as a copy boy and completed a journalism cadetship before climbing the ranks to become director of news.
Schildberger later joined the ABC and presented 3LO-774's popular morning program.
Later in life he started his own media production company and penned an autobiography, The Sorcerer's Apprentice.
He was diagnosed with cancer 14 years ago.
Friends and colleagues have paid tribute to Schildberger on talkback radio this morning.
His son Nick told ABC 774's morning host Jon Faine his father had astounded doctors with his lengthy fight against the disease.
"He was a very kind generous man, and also a very strong man," Nick Schildberger said.
"He didn't let things get him down. He was the most positive and optimistic person I know. He refused to give up.
"Unfortunately the cancer, in the end, took over and he was unable to fight any more."
More on Michael Schildberger Sphere: Related Content
