Channel Seven presenter Sharyn Ghidella has received support from big names in the industry after she was axed from the network.
The veteran was fired after working in the news industry for nearly four decades.
Ghidella, 58, the face of Seven News in Queensland since 2007, confirmed the news in a fiery Facebook post on Friday.
She was inundated with positive responses, including from journalist Tracey Spicer.
“Darling, these are beautiful but heartbreaking words. We are devastated to hear that you have been treated this way after all these years of loyal, professional service,” Spicer wrote.
“It’s terrible to see what’s happening at Channel 7. But you’re right, we don’t need news with horoscopes. Thinking of you and the family with lots of love and support.”
Melissa Hoyer also joined in the conversation: ‘When I met you many, many years ago, you have never, ever changed since then. As a journalist – steadfast, credible and authentic. As a person – compassionate, interested and interesting.
“It’s a tragedy that so many people with strong experience, mentors and who remained completely relevant, ‘move on’. Pointless. Good luck with the next chapter SG. Send love.”
Channel Seven presenter Sharyn Ghidella (pictured) has received support from big names in the industry after she was axed from the network
Queensland Deputy Premier Cameron Dick also commented, writing: “You are a familiar and reassuring face to so many Queenslanders. Thank you Sharyn. Very sad to see you go.”
“Oh Sharyn – this is devastating news. Not only are you one of the most trusted and credible journalists this country has, you have also demonstrated your genuine concern for others in the mountain of charity work you have done for many years,” said cartoonist Steve Panozzo.
‘The accountants in charge of the television industry today routinely demonstrate an ignorance of the resources at their disposal. Your resignation is just one example of that tonelessness, the inability to ‘read the room’ and the complete failure to recognise the value of experience in reporting the news.’
Ghidella wrote in her post that 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.
She was inundated with messages of support, including from journalist Tracey Spicer
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.
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.
“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.
Ghidella’s fiery Facebook post was aimed at the network for prioritizing gimmicks like astrology readings over retaining experienced talent. (She can be seen in 2006 while employed by Channel Nine.)
‘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.
“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,” she added.
Daily Mail 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.
Sharyn said her recent time at the network had been “miserable” and she was glad to be leaving
“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,” he concluded.
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.
The news comes amid industry rumours that Seven could be sold. The Australian speculated ‘you can almost bet that the Seven television network is now up for sale. It’s all a question of price’
Melbourne crime reporter Cameron Baud (pictured) was recently fired by the network
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.
Daily Mail Australia revealed that Ovadia allegedly sent a series of strange, manipulated images to a young female reporter before he was dumped.