Insiders share new theory about why veteran newsreader Sharyn Ghidella was axed from Channel Seven

Insiders share new theory about why veteran newsreader Sharyn Ghidella was axed from Channel Seven

By David Southwell for Daily Mail Australia

15:56 13 July 2024, updated 16:32 13 July 2024



News reports say Channel 7 news anchor Sharyn Gidella has been fired from the network because she was paid much more than her co-host Max Futcher.

Unnamed people familiar with the matter told The Daily Telegraph: scoop The decision to axe Guedella, 58, was “about money” after the beleaguered network decided Futcher was the cheaper option as part of a series of budget cuts.

The same sources say that Gidella was preparing to shoot a promotional video for EKKA’s upcoming show in Brisbane when she learned that she was being fired.

As the solo host of Seven’s main 6pm newscast on Friday night, Futcher paid tribute to Ghidella, describing him as a “good friend”.

“Firstly, tonight, she didn’t want to say goodbye, and she’s too humble to want us to make a fuss. But we want to thank Sharyn Gidella for the 17 wonderful years she spent behind the desk here at Seven News. Brisbane,’ He said.

“He is a true professional, a consummate journalist, a friend and mentor to all of us here, and a good companion to me.”

Gidilla, who was the face of Seven News in Queensland Since 2007, she confirmed her dismissal in a fiery incident. Facebook Posted on Friday.

She said the “gentle touch” finally came while she was at the salon, and admitted it was a “relief” of sorts after so many weeks of job cuts in the media.

Veteran Channel 7 presenter Sharyn Gidella (pictured) has been axed from the network over her high salary as the network embarks on a cost-cutting mission, broadcasters say.

But she was determined not to go quietly as she targeted the failing network to prioritize scams like Astrology readings Over-retention of veteran talent.

“When you’ve been in television for as long as I have, not a day goes by that you don’t expect the famous tap on the shoulder… After 38 years, the moment to tap on the shoulder has finally come,” Guedella began.

“It wasn’t quite how I expected it to end. Channel 7.

“I was actually sitting in a hair salon while working, when I got a call telling me that after 17 years with the network, my time was up.”

Gidella said her last time at the network was “miserable” and was happy to walk out the door.

“While I am saddened by this decision, I also feel a sense of relief. As has been widely reported, the past two weeks in the world of television have been, unfortunately, a miserable one,” she wrote.

“A long list of talented, loyal and dedicated employees have been fired, in what seems like an endless process of slowly pulling the bandage off when it comes to removing what was deemed excess inventory.

Max Futcher, who now presents the 6pm news on Seven Queensland, paid tribute to Gidella on Friday, describing her as a “good friend”.

“These guys are some of the best content creators in the business. They are good people and it was sad to watch them make content.”

Gidella added that she was not a fan of the network’s news programming rebranding, which will see comedian Mark Humphries do a comedy sketch at 6.57pm today, and Astro Tash start an astronomical report next week.

“I’m also not the type to do the evening news with humor and horoscopes, so, frankly, it’s time to go,” Guedela said sharply.

“As I always say, the caravan goes on. There is no doubt a lot of talent left in the building, and I wish them all the best for the future.”

She concluded her no-nonsense post by thanking the many friends she has made throughout her long career with the network.

Channel 7 has axed a number of big names from its news department.

“A huge thank you to everyone who has made this possible, so far, including former employers such as the Stokes, Packer and Gleeson families, news directors, executive producers and station managers who saw fit to give a child from Babinda [in rural Queensland] “Well, I owe you a lot,” she said.

“Then there are the viewers… You never realize how important your kindness and support is. What an honor to be welcomed into your homes to bring you today’s news.”

Gidela’s colleagues Katrina Blowers and Samantha Heathwood told The Daily Telegraph that Gidela’s departure was a huge blow.

“I feel so sad for Sherine, she was a wonderful colleague and friend. As a budding journalist, it was watching her on the Today Show and then Seven News that made me want to get into television,” said Heathwood.

“Shazi was calm in the most chaotic and challenging moments – she was an icon in our newsroom, and everyone loved her. We are all in shock.”

“Sharen was a dear colleague and friend for many years, and I am truly saddened by her passing,” Blowers added. “Her impact on journalism and broadcasting is inspiring.”

“The final touch on my shoulder” finally came as she was getting ready to go to work at the salon, Guedella (centre) said, admitting it was a “relief” of sorts after so many weeks of job cuts in the media.

Daily Mail Australia has obtained a supportive email addressing Gidella’s dismissal from Seven Queensland’s news director Michael Coombs.

“For 17 years, Sharyn has been a welcome guest in guest rooms all over Queensland – always professional, always reliable, always warm,” Coombs wrote.

“But to all of us, she is so much more than that. She is a mentor, a colleague, and a friend.

“I am sad that the team and our viewers will not have the opportunity to say goodbye to her in the way she deserved, but I completely respect and understand her wishes.”

“I have nothing but admiration and gratitude for Sherine. And I know you will all join me in wishing her the best in the future.”

Anthony De Ceglie, the controversial head of Seven’s newspaper business in Western Australia who now runs the TV news division, added: “Sharen has made a huge contribution to Seven over the past 17 years.

“We are grateful for her hard work and are saddened by her passing. She leaves the company with the sincere thanks of everyone at Seven and our best wishes for her future.”

Guidella has worked for Ten, Nine and Seven newspapers during her long media career.

The North Queensland native was a newsreader on Nine’s Today show before Joined Channel 7 in 2007.

Robert Ovadia (pictured) has announced he will take Seven to the Fair Work Commission for unfair dismissal.

In January 2013, Gidella began presenting Seven News Brisbane from Sunday to Thursday and was also appointed presenter of Today Tonight Queensland before the programme was discontinued in February 2014.

Her partner is freelance videographer Paul Kroll, and the couple have two sons.

A cost-cutting war has begun at Seven, with the network’s news division under new management.

Among the three major names who have recently left the network are veterans Robert Ovadia, Andrew Frampton and veteran Melbourne crime reporter Cameron Budd, known to friends as the “Grief Reaper” for his grim news coverage.

On the Sydney front, Ovadia – perhaps the most famous of all the characters to be dropped, even Guedela – announced that he would take over. Seven took to the Fair Work Commission for unfair dismissal.

The Australian Daily Mail revealed that Ovadia is accused of… He sent a series of strange, edited photos to a young female correspondent. before it is disposed of.

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