Respected Seven News presenter Sharyn Ghidella has announced her departure from the broadcaster after 17 years with the network.
In a post on Facebook she revealed, “When you work in TV for as long as I have, not a day goes by when you aren’t expecting the proverbial tap on the shoulder…
“After 38 years, my shoulder tap has finally come.
“It wasn’t quite how I expected it to end at Channel 7. I was actually sitting at the hairdressers for work, when I got the call informing me, that after 17 years with the network, my time was up.
“And while somewhat saddened by this decision, there is also some sense of relief.
“As has been widely reported, the past couple of weeks in TV has, sadly, been a miserable affair.
“A long list of talented, loyal and dedicated employees have been shown the door, in what seems to have been an interminable process of pulling the band-aid off slowly when it comes to removing what’s been deemed excess stock from the building.
“These people are some of the best ‘content creators’ in the business (well, we are digital first now). They are good people and it’s been heartbreaking to watch.
“I’ve seen the toll it’s taken on those who’ve left, those delivering the pain and those still there, and when it comes to witnessing this heartache, I think I’m done.
“I’m also not one to have my evening news served up with humour and horoscopes either, so, to be honest, it is time to go.
“As I’m known to say, the caravan moves on. There is certainly plenty of talent left in the building and I wish them nothing but the best moving forward.
“Because television is a great industry, journalism is a worthy profession in any functioning democracy, and I couldn’t be more grateful for all the time I’ve spent so far, working in media.
“From NQTV – Cairns and Townsville, Channel 10 Brisbane, National Nine News Sydney, Daybreak, Nine’s Early News, Qantas News, Today Show, Weekend Sunrise, Today Tonight, 7NEWS Brisbane, I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. I couldn’t have expected more.
“I have worked alongside the best in the business at the premier television newsrooms in the country and the many friendships I’ve made, I will always hold dear.
“A sincere thank you to everyone who has made this possible, so far, including past employers like the Stokes, Packer and Gleeson families and the news directors, executive producers and station managers who saw fit to give a kid from Babinda a go.
“I owe you so much.
“Likewise, my fellow journalists, presenters, producers, chiefs of staff, researchers, camera operators, editors, directors, DA’s, audio operators, technicians, IT specialists, graphic artists, librarians, publicists, marketing, sales team members, promo producers, ingest operators, MCR, security guards, unit managers, receptionists, groundsmen (that’s you Gav), autocue operators, stylists, and those beautiful magicians in hair and make-up … know that I have always respected what you do and I have always held you in the highest regard.
“I truly believe television is a team effort and what a team I’ve had the privilege of working with over all of these years.
“And 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 the news of the day. Please know that I have read every card, every letter, every email and appreciated every gift you’ve sent my way.
“Thank you too to all the charities, theatre and sporting organisations I’ve had the pleasure of being involved with, either on the Board or as an ambassador. That connection initially came courtesy of my television career and I hope my little contribution has, and will continue to help, in some way.
“And last, but by no means least, a heartfelt acknowledgement to all the newsmakers I’ve met along the way and the many people who have trusted me to tell their story to date. I have never forgotten so, so many of you, particularly those I’ve encountered at the worst of times, in times of disaster and loss. I often wonder how you are getting on. I always hope by telling your story it made a difference and that you got through it all, that life treated you so much better after what you endured. You deserved that.
“So, for now, as I sign off for the last time from 7NEWS… it’s good night from me.
“Here’s hoping my horoscope for tomorrow will be for brighter times ahead.
“I’m now off to spend some quality time with my beautiful family and friends… and to find a new job, whether it be in TV or a new venture, with the same enthusiasm and promise as when I started in the industry 4 decades ago…
“Any suggestions are always appreciated. Please, wish me luck! x”
TV Tonight understands it was Ghidella’s decision not to farewell viewers in a final bulletin which was offered by Seven Brisbane Director of News, Michael Coombes.
Seven Director of News and Current Affairs and Seven West Media Editor-in-Chief, Anthony De Ceglie, said: “Sharyn has made a significant contribution to Seven over the past 17 years, we are grateful for her hard work and are sorry to see her go. She leaves with sincere thanks from everyone at Seven and our very best wishes for the future.”
Seven Brisbane Director of News, Michael Coombes, said: “For 17 years, Sharyn has been a welcome guest in loungerooms across Queensland – always professional, always reliable, always warm. But for all of us, she is so much more. A mentor, a colleague, a friend. I have nothing but admiration and gratitude for Sharyn. And we wish her every success for the future.”
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