The Seven Network and Melissa Doyle today announced Melissa will be leaving the network after 25 years.
From her early days in the Canberra bureau and the Sydney newsroom, Melissa has held presenting and hosting roles on 11AM, Today Tonight, Sunrise, 7NEWS, Sunday Night and most recently The Latest.
“Genuine empathy. Genuine skill.”
– Boland on Doyle
During that time, she has covered some of the most significant news events in our recent history including the Beaconsfield mine disaster, Olympic Games in Sydney, Athens and Beijing, the National day of mourning for the victims of the Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 tragedy, the Lindt café siege, the Paris attacks, Centenary of ANZAC commemorations in Gallipoli, the Royal Weddings of Prince William and Catherine Middleton and later Harry and Meghan and multiple state and federal elections.
Creator and former executive producer of Sunrise Adam Boland had this to say on the TV Blackbox Facebook page:
“Seven owes her an incredible amount. Sunrise would never have got to number one without her. Perhaps the best live-to-air presenter I have worked with.”
In addition to the release from Seven, Melissa posted this statement on her website:
For the release, Melissa Doyle said:
“For 25 years, I have called Channel Seven home. I’ve had the privilege to share stories that mattered, meet incredible people and be there for significant moments in history. I am incredibly proud of the work I have done and appreciative of the trust and warmth our viewers have shown me. I want to thank the consummate professionals I have worked with along the way, in particular our Chairman Kerry Stokes for his constant support. I leave Seven with a great deal of pride, satisfaction and gratitude.”
CEO and Managing Director Seven West Media, James Warburton, said:
“Melissa has deserved every success that’s come her way and has been a huge part of the Network. On behalf of everyone at Seven West Media I want to wish Mel the very best and thank her for everything she’s done for the Seven Network.”
Seven Network Director of News and Public Affairs, Craig McPherson, said:
“From reporting to presenting to mentoring her colleagues, Mel has been a fundamental part of the Seven Network’s News and Public Affairs team for more than two decades. Classy, professional and a delight to work with, Mel leaves us with a history she should be enormously proud of. On behalf of all her former and current colleagues here at Seven, I’d like to thank her for contributing so much to our successes and wish her every success in her next endeavour.”
In farewelling Mel, the network will tonight broadcast a special tribute celebrating her exceptional contribution in 7NEWS at 6.00.
Was disappointed that there’s no analysis from you on this story. Why is Mel going?
Hi CSkyba – Mel (and Seven) have been understandably tight-lipped about it for now. We could offer speculation that it’s a part of Seven cutting costs, however it would be only that – speculation. Once we learn more we’re happy to share it.