Channel Seven’s shocking act towards popular newsreader weeks before she was sensationally axed
Channel Seven filmed an expensive photoshoot with fired Queensland newsreader Sharyn Ghidella, just weeks before she was fired from the network.
Ghidellla, 58, took part in an extravagant photoshoot with her former co-presenter Max Futcher, promoting the Seven 6pm Brisbane news bulletin.
However, shortly after she took part in the filming, Ghidella received a phone call informing her that the network would be terminating her employment after 17 years.
The firing is said to have come as a surprise to Ghidella, who assumed her job was safe because the network paid for a costly photo shoot with her and Futcher, reports The Australian.
On the day Ghidella was fired, she was scheduled to participate in another taping to promote the upcoming EKKA show in Brisbane. However, her participation in the production was abruptly cancelled.
Ghidella made her feelings known to staff shortly after her firing, sending a scathing internal memo that read, “You may have already resolved this… But I think the promo we just shot might need a little tweaking.”
Last week, the veteran presenter was fired from the network after working in the news industry for nearly four decades.
Ghidella, the face of Seven News in Queensland since 2007, confirmed the news in a fiery Facebook post on Friday.
Channel Seven (pictured) filmed an expensive photoshoot with sacked Queensland newsreader Sharyn Ghidella, just weeks before she was fired from the network
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.
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.
Ghidellla, 58, recently took part in a lavish photoshoot with her former co-presenter Max Futcher (left), promoting the Seven 6pm Brisbane news bulletin
‘It wasn’t quite how I expected it to end at Channel Seven. I was actually at the hairdresser’s for work when I got the call that after 17 years at the network my time was up.’
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.
However, shortly after she took part in the filming, Ghidella received a phone call informing her that the network would be terminating her employment with them after 17 years.
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 and “Astro Tash” will do an astrology report.
Anthony De Ceglie, the controversial newcomer to Seven’s Western Australian newspaper division who now heads up the television news division, said in a statement: “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.”