Sharyn Ghidella’s broadcast partner paid a heartfelt tribute to her during a news broadcast following the star’s dismissal from Channel 7 after decades in the industry.
Ghidella, 58, who was fired after nearly four decades working in the news industry, confirmed the news in an impassioned Facebook post.
She had been the face of Seven News in Queensland since 2007, and her now former co-host Max Futcher spoke about her with emotion and passion on air.
Futcher, who presented Friday’s 6 p.m. bulletin alone, immediately explained why his partner was not there.
“The first thing she did tonight was not want to say goodbye and she is too humble to want us to make a fuss about it. But we would like to thank Sharyn Ghidella for her wonderful 17 years behind the desk here at 7News Brisbane,” she said.
‘A true professional, a consummate journalist and, to us all, a friend and mentor. And a good colleague.
‘We know that Sharyn has also been a big part of your lives and we know that she sees that role as a great privilege.
“Sharyn leaves with our respect, our admiration and our wishes for a wonderful future. We love you, Shaz.”
Sharyn Ghidella’s on-air partner paid a heartfelt tribute to her during a news broadcast after the Channel 7 star was fired after decades in the industry.
Max Futcher (left), who presented the Friday 6pm bulletin alone, immediately addressed why his former on-air partner (right) was not there.
Ghidella gained support from some big names in the industry after she was brutally ousted from the network.
“We are devastated to hear that after all these years of loyal and professional service, you have been treated like this,” wrote journalist Tracey Spicer.
“It’s terrible to see what’s happening on Channel 7. However, you’re right: we don’t need news with horoscopes. I think of you and your family with much love and support.”
The reference to horoscopes was Seven’s plan to include a horoscope segment on its evening news, which Ghidella said he was opposed to.
Another journalist, Melissa Hoyer, also chimed in: “When I first met you many, many years ago, you have never changed since. As a journalist, you are grounded, credible and authentic. As a person, you are compassionate, caring and interesting.
“It’s a tragedy that so many people with a wealth of experience, mentors and who remained totally relevant have been ‘banished’. It makes no sense. Good luck with the next chapter, SG. Sending you all my love,” he said.
Queensland Deputy Premier Cameron Dick also commented: “You have been a familiar and comforting face to many Queenslanders. Thank you, Sharyn. So 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, but you have demonstrated your genuine concern for others in the mountain of charity work you have done over many years.
‘The accountants in charge of television these days routinely display their ignorance about the assets they hold and his dismissal is just another example of that tone deafness, inability to ‘read the room’ and complete failure to recognise the value of experience when delivering the news.’
Ghidella’s fiery Facebook post took aim at the broadcaster for gimmicks such as astrological readings instead of retaining veteran talent (pictured in 2006, while working at Channel Nine).
Ghidella said in her post that her “tap on the shoulder” finally came while she was in the salon, admitting it was a “relief” of sorts after several anxious weeks over media job cuts.
“When you work in television for as long as I have, not a day goes by that you don’t expect a tap on the shoulder… After 38 years, I finally got a tap on the shoulder,” Ghidella began.
‘It wasn’t exactly how I expected it to end up at Channel Seven.
‘I was sitting in the salon for work when I got a call telling me that after 17 years at the chain, my time was up.’
She said her recent time at the network had been “miserable” and she was glad to be walking out the door.
“While I am a little saddened by this decision, I also feel a certain relief. As has been widely reported, the past two weeks on television have sadly been a miserable affair,” he 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 ripping off the band-aid when it comes to removing what has been deemed excess stock.
“These people are some of the best content creators in the industry. They’re good people and it’s been heartbreaking to watch.”
Ghidella (center) said her “tap on the shoulder” finally came while she was in the living room getting ready for work, admitting it was a bit of a “relief” after several weeks of anxiety over media job cuts.
Ghidella added that he did not like the rebranding of the network’s news programming, which saw comedian Mark Humphries doing a comedy sketch last night and ‘Astro Tash’ starting an astrology report next week.
“I’m also not one to like the evening news with humor and horoscopes, so to be honest, it’s time for me to go,” Ghidella joked.
“As I often say, the caravan moves on. There is certainly still a lot of talent in the team and I wish them all the best for the future.”
He ended his post by bluntly thanking the many friends he had made throughout his long career at the network.