With more than 50 years of broadcast journalism behind him, Ian Ross is the anchor of Seven's top-rating 6pm news bulletin in Sydney.

"Taking the helm of Seven News, Sydney in 2004 was the most exciting career challenge I have faced," says Ian. "There's a new philosophy in place with the focus strongly on news and public affairs. That makes my job all the more exciting."

Affectionately known as Roscoe, the award-winning journalist started his media career in 1957 at Sydney radio station 2GB. A keen surfer, he soon moved to radio station 2MW Murwillumbah on the far north coast of NSW, where he did everything from writing advertising scripts to hosting his own program.

Ian ended up back in Sydney in 1961 and got a job in 2SM's first news room, before starting a television career as a Channel Nine news reporter in 1965. He took his young family to London in 1972, where he worked for the now-defunct television wire service UPITN. Returning to Australia in 1974, Ian slipped back into his job at Nine.

After 38 years at Nine, he made the switch to Seven in 2004.

One of the greatest challenges Ian faced as a journalist was during the devastating 1994 bushfires in Sydney. He presented the news live from the fire front, interviewing residents who had lost their homes and fire fighters who were risking their lives.

"My own home was next to a national park that was considered a fire 'hot spot'. It was in constant danger," he says. "Each day when I left for work, I didn't know if my house would still be there when I got back. That brought the fear and tragedy experienced by thousands of people right to my front doorstep.

Ian brings his immense experience to Seven News, nightly at 6pm, with sports presenter Alex Cullen and weather presenter Sara Groen.

"Seven has the best news team in Sydney," he says. "It's great to know that you have that kind of strength and experience behind you.

Ian is a fan of the outdoors, spending his leisure time playing tennis, kayaking and keeping fit. When he catches his breath, his three children, eight grandchildren and a demanding dog keep his 'free time' busy.