Sharyn Ghidella’s presenter has paid a heartfelt tribute to her during a news broadcast after the Channel 7 star left after decades in the industry.
Ghidella, 58, who was fired after nearly four decades in the news industry, confirmed the news in a fiery Facebook post.
Since 2007 she has been the face of Seven News in Queensland and her former co-host Max Futcher spoke emotionally and passionately about her on air.
During the 6pm Friday evening bulletin alone, Futcher immediately indicated why his partner was not there.
“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 7News Brisbane,” he said.
‘A true professional, an accomplished journalist, and to all of us here – a friend and mentor. And my good buddy.
‘We know that Sharyn has also played a major role in your lives and that she considers that role a great privilege.
“Sharyn leaves with our respect, admiration and wishes for a wonderful future. Love you Shaz.”
Sharyn Ghidella’s live-action partner has paid heartfelt tribute to her during a news broadcast after the Channel 7 star was sacked after decades in the industry
During the presentation of Friday’s bulletin at 6pm, Max Futcher (left) immediately addressed the question of why his former radio partner (right) was not there
Ghidella received support from some big names in the industry after she was brutally kicked out of the network.
“We are devastated to hear that after all these years of loyal, professional service you have been treated in this way,” wrote journalist Tracey Spicer.
“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.”
The horoscope’s unearthing was a reference to Seven’s plan to include a horoscope segment on its evening news, which Ghidella opposed.
Another journalist, Melissa Hoyer, also joined in the conversation: ‘When I met you many, many years ago, you have never, ever changed. As a journalist – steadfast, credible and authentic. As a person – compassionate, interested and interesting.
“It’s a tragedy that so many people with great experience, mentors and who remained completely relevant, are ‘moving on’. Pointless. Good luck with the next chapter SG. Sending love,” she said.
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.”
Cartoonist Steve Panozzo wrote: ‘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.
‘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’s fiery Facebook post targeted the network for gimmicks such as astrology readings over retaining experienced talent (pictured in 2006 when he was employed by Channel Nine)
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.
“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.’
She said her recent time at the network had been “miserable” and that she was glad to be leaving.
“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.
“These people are some of the best content creators in the business. They’re good people and it’s heartbreaking to watch.”
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.
Ghidella added that she is not a fan of the network’s rebranding of its news programs. Last night, comedian Mark Humphries did a comedy sketch, and next week, “Astro Tash” begins 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.
