Channel Seven FansVeteran weatherman Paul Burt has criticized the network after he was fired after nearly three decades in the industry as part of a cost-cutting bloodbath.
The Queensland presenter was axed from 7News and has since announced his latest project: Burty’s Friday Fishing Report, as part of his Step Outside with Paul Burt series.
In an Instagram post shared on Friday, Burt slammed Channel Seven, which has prioritised gimmicks such as astrological readings over retaining veteran talent.
‘No more waiting through the News Bulletin, Astrological Report and News Comedian to see what’s in the bite,’ she wrote in her caption.
Fans showered the beloved weatherman with support and expressed outrage at the brutal firing.
“Channel 7 has a lot to answer for. What they did to you is wrong. They have lost touch,” wrote one user.
“I’m so sorry Paul. My husband and I were in complete shock. We wish you all the best and hope to see you again on our television. Hopefully on to better things,” another added.
“I can’t believe we have astrology and comedy on the news now! It’s embarrassing and ridiculous! So glad for your next chapter!” one commented, to which Burty replied: “I know, you have to lose your job to save money and then spend it on horoscopes and comedians on the news.”
Fans of veteran Channel Seven weatherman Paul Burt have criticised the network after he was axed after almost three decades in the industry as part of a cost-cutting bloodbath.
In an Instagram post shared on Friday, Burt slammed Channel Seven, which has prioritised gimmicks such as astrological readings over retaining veteran talent.
“It’s kind of tough to have you cut off like that on the news tonight. I wish you the best in the future, buddy!” wrote one, with Burt replying: “Thanks, buddy, and I expected nothing less, to be honest with you.”
Burt’s colleague and veteran Channel Seven presenter Sharyn Ghidella, who was also let go from the network earlier this month after nearly four decades in the news industry, also shared a heartfelt message.
“Burty, I wish you all the best in what lies ahead. You are very good at what you do… I’m sure there are many exciting adventures ahead for you. Good luck, although you won’t need it at all. I bet you’re already getting offers. Xx,” she wrote.
In his response, Burt praised Ghidella’s hard work after being the face of Seven News in Queensland since 2007.
Fans flooded the comments in support of the beloved weatherman and expressed outrage at the brutal firing.
“Thank you Sharyn, I can say the same about you my friend, who would have thought?” he began.
“This salty old sea dog barely compares to the icon that you are. I know I’ve told you this many times before, but honestly, they really lost a lot when they let you go. Your passion and genuine love for what you do shone through, you are a legend in the game and you didn’t deserve this. I’m grateful to call you a friend as we navigate new chapters together.”
Burt said The courier mail He was enjoying a weekend in Melbourne when he received a phone call telling him to come into the office the day after he returned.
“I felt sick instantly. I don’t have many weekends off, so that kind of ruined everything for me,” she admitted.
‘When I walked into the studio when I got back, some of my colleagues who were there had already been fired that morning, so I knew what to expect.’
Burt’s colleague and veteran Channel Seven presenter Sharyn Ghidella, who was also let go from the network earlier this month after nearly four decades in the news industry, also shared a heartfelt message.
In his response, Burt praised Ghidella’s hard work after being the face of Seven News in Queensland since 2007.
Burt admitted he was “shocked and embarrassed” by the news and hit out at network bosses who offered him “no leniency” in sacking.
Burt hosted his final weather segment on Saturday and took a swipe at the network during his farewell.
“If I had had the opportunity, I wouldn’t have wanted to go down this path. That’s what happens when you get fired,” he said at the end of the 6:00 p.m. newscast.
The newsletter then awkwardly transitioned into a montage of Paul introducing segments throughout the years.
He has worked for Ten, Nine and Seven during his extensive media career.
There has been a bloodbath at Seven in the wake of cost cuts as the broadcaster’s news division comes under new management.
Three big names to have recently appeared on the network include veterans Robert Ovadia, Andrew Frampton and seasoned Melbourne crime reporter Cameron Baud, known to friends as the “Reaper of Sorrows” for his grim reporting.
On the Sydney front, Ovadia – perhaps the most high-profile figure in all the dismissals until Ghidella’s – has announced he will take Seven to the Fair Work Commission for unfair dismissal.
Daily Mail Australia has revealed that Ovadia allegedly sent a series of bizarre and manipulated images to a young female journalist before he was dumped.
Burt hosted his final weather segment on Saturday and criticized the network during his farewell.