Seven denies superstar Sunrise executive has been ‘fired’ from network as part of plan to save $60 million
Seven has denied sacking one of its top executives, Michael Pell, who led Sunrise to the top of the breakfast television ratings.
It comes after the Australian Financial Statement claim that two sources at Seven have confirmed that Pell has been ‘fired’ from the network as management tries to cut $60 million in costs.
Pell, 40, was promoted by Seven to a “talent scout” role in Los Angeles when he left Brekkie Central in 2022 after 11 years.
On his social media, his job title is still listed as ‘Senior Vice President, Entertainment Content, North America’.
Pell, considered one of Seven’s most valuable assets, left his job as executive producer at Sunrise in April 2022.
Seven has denied sacking one of its top executives, Michael Pell, who led Sunrise to the top of the breakfast television ratings.
He then took a new position at the network in LA as a ‘talent scout’ with the aim of finding new formats.
Pell has overseen an extremely successful period for Sunrise – Australia’s No. 1 breakfast show – since replacing Adam Boland as EP in 2010.
He is credited with helping the programme, which was then anchored by Natalie Barr and David Koch, to extend its lead against arch-rival Nine’s Today show.
Before his last day at Sunrise, almost exactly two years ago, presenters Natalie Barr and David ‘Kochie’ Koch said an emotional farewell to the much-admired director.
Pell, 40, was promoted by the network to a “talent scout” role in Los Angeles after leaving Brekkie Central in 2022 after 11 years. Pictured: Sunrise hosts Natalie Barr and Matt “Shirvo” Shrvington
Pell has led an extremely successful period for Sunrise – Australia’s No. 1 breakfast show – since replacing Adam Boland as EP in 2010. Pictured: Pell with former Sunrise host Sam Armytage (L) and David ‘Kochie’ Koch.
Pell did not appear on screen, despite having done so when he celebrated his 10th anniversary at the helm in November 2020, with Sunrise airing a photo slideshow instead.
Several behind-the-scenes photos were shown, including shots of Pell chatting with A-list celebrities and posing with the presenters at Brekky Central.
It comes next Television tonight reported that Sean Power was announced as executive producer of Sunrise last November, while Sarah Stinson remains director of Morning Television.
Pell is credited with helping Sunrise extend its lead against arch-rival Nine’s Today show. Seven executives did not confirm the report, and Pell’s social media lists his networking job title: “Senior Vice President, Entertainment Content, North America.”