Channel Seven newsreader Sharyn Ghidella has reportedly been fired from the network after being paid a much higher salary than her co-host Max Futcher.
Unknown insiders told the Daily Telegraph Spoon The decision to fire Ghidella, 58, was “all about the money,” with the embattled network deciding Futcher was the cheaper option as part of a series of budget cuts.
The same sources say that Ghidella was preparing for a promotional video for the upcoming EKKA show in Brisbane when she heard she was being fired.
As solo presenter of Seven’s flagship 6pm programme on Friday evening, Futcher paid tribute to Ghidella, whom he called a “good friend”.
“Firstly, she didn’t want to say goodbye tonight and she’s too modest to want us to make a big deal about it. But we want to thank Sharyn Ghidella for her 17 wonderful years behind the desk here at Seven News Brisbane,” he said.
‘A true professional, an accomplished journalist, and to all of us here – a friend and mentor. And my good buddy.’
Ghidella, the face of Seven News in Queensland since 2007, confirmed her resignation in a fiery Facebook post on Friday.
She said she finally got her “tap on the shoulder” while she was at the salon, admitting it was a relief after the stressful weeks of media layoffs.
Veteran Channel Seven presenter Sharyn Ghidella (pictured) has been ousted from the network over her high salary, according to insiders, as the network is on a cost-cutting mission
But she was determined not to go quietly, criticizing the failing network for prioritizing gimmicks like astrology readings over retaining experienced talent.
“When you work in television as long as I have, not a day goes by without expecting the proverbial tap on the shoulder… After 38 years, it’s finally here,” Ghidella began.
‘It wasn’t quite how I expected it to turn out at Channel Seven.
‘I was at work at the hairdresser’s when I got the call that my time at the network was up. After 17 years, it was over.’
Ghidella went on to say that her recent time at the network had been “miserable” and that she was glad to be out the door.
“While I am somewhat saddened by this decision, there is also a sense of relief. As has been widely reported, the last few weeks on TV have unfortunately been a miserable affair,” she wrote.
‘A long list of talented, loyal and dedicated employees have been shown the door, in what seems to have been a never-ending process of slowly removing the band-aid on the wound, when it comes to removing what was perceived as excess inventory.
Max Futcher, who now solo presents the Seven Queensland 6pm news bulletin, paid tribute to Ghidella on Friday, calling her a ‘good friend’
“These people are some of the best content creators in the business. They’re good people and it’s heartbreaking to watch.”
Ghidella added that she is not a fan of the new name the network is giving to its news programs. Comedian Mark Humphries will do a comedy sketch tonight at 6:57 p.m., and “Astro Tash” will begin next week with an astrology report.
“I’m not one to be fed the evening news with humor and horoscopes, so frankly it’s time to go,” Ghidella sneered.
“As I sometimes say, the caravan moves on. There is certainly still plenty of talent in the building and I wish them nothing but the best moving forward.”
She concluded her merciless message by thanking the many friends she had made during her long career at the network.
Channel Seven has removed a number of big names in journalism from its news department
‘A sincere thank you to everyone who has made this possible so far, including former employers such as the Stokes, Packer and Gleeson families and the news directors, executive producers and station managers who felt it necessary to give a child from Babinda [in rural Queensland] “A go. I owe you so much,” she said.
“Then there are the viewers… You will never know how much your kindness and support means. What a privilege it is to be welcomed into your homes to present you with the news of the day.”
Seven colleagues, Katrina Blowers and Samantha Heathwood, told the Daily Telegraph that Ghidella’s departure was a blow.
“I’m so sad for Sharyn – she was such a wonderful colleague and friend. As a budding journalist, it was seeing her on the Today Show and then Seven News that made me want to go into TV,” Heathwood said.
‘Shazzy was unflappable in the most chaotic and challenging moments – she was an icon in our newsroom and loved by everyone. We are all in shock.’
“Sharyn has been a beloved colleague and friend for many years, and I am very sad to see her go. Her impact on journalism and broadcasting has been inspiring,” Blowers added.
Ghidella (center) said her “tap on the shoulder” finally came while she was at the salon getting ready for work, admitting it was a “relief” of sorts after several anxious weeks of media layoffs.
Ny Breaking Australia has received an email of support from Michael Coombes, director of news at Seven Queensland, criticising Ghidella’s dismissal.
“Sharyn has been a welcome guest in lounges across Queensland for 17 years – always professional, always reliable, always friendly,” Coombes wrote.
‘But to all of us she is so much more. A mentor, a colleague, a friend.
“I’m sad that the team and our viewers can’t give her the send-off she deserves, but I absolutely respect and understand her wishes.
“I have nothing but admiration and gratitude for Sharyn. And I know you will all join me in wishing her all the best for the future.”
Anthony De Ceglie, the controversial newcomer from Seven’s Western Australian newspaper arm who now heads up the television news division, added: “Sharyn has made a significant contribution to Seven over the past 17 years.
“We are grateful for her hard work and are sad to see her go. She leaves with sincere thanks from everyone at Seven and our very best wishes for the future.”
Ghidella worked for Ten, Nine and Seven during her long media career.
The North Queensland native was a newsreader on the Today Show at Nine before joining Channel Seven in 2007.
Robert Ovadia (pictured) has announced he will take Seven to the Fair Work Commission for unfair dismissal
In January 2013, Ghidella began presenting Seven News Brisbane from Sunday to Thursday. She was also appointed presenter of Today Tonight Queensland, before the program was axed in February 2014.
Her partner is freelance cameraman Paul Croll and the couple have two sons.
Seven has been hit by a cost-cutting bloodbath as the network’s news division comes under new management.
Three notable names who have recently left the network are veterans Robert Ovadia, Andrew Frampton and seasoned Melbourne crime reporter Cameron Baud, known among friends as the ‘Harvester of Sorrow’ for his gritty news reporting.
In Sydney, Ovadia, perhaps the highest-profile of all the figures sacked prior to Ghidella’s dismissal, has announced that he will take Seven to the Fair Work Commission for unfair dismissal.
Ny Breaking Australia revealed that Ovadia allegedly sent a series of strange, manipulated images to a young female reporter before he was dumped.