New theory about why Sharyn Ghidella was axed from Channel Seven

Channel Seven newsreader Sharyn Ghidella was reportedly axed from the network because she was on a much higher salary than her co-host Max Futcher.

Unnamed insiders told the Daily Telegraph’s Scoop the decision to axe Ghidella, 58, was ‘all about the money’ with the beleaguered network deciding that Futcher was the cheaper option as part of a series of budget cuts. 

The same sources say Ghidella was getting ready to film a promotional video for the upcoming Brisbane EKKA show when she learnt she was being made redundant. 

As the solo host of Seven’s flagship 6pm bulletin on Friday night, Futcher paid tribute to Ghidella who he called a ‘good mate’.

‘First tonight, she didn’t want a farewell, and she’s too humble to want us to make a fuss. But we would like to thank Sharyn Ghidella for her 17 wonderful years behind the desk here at Seven News Brisbane,’ he said. 

‘A true professional, an accomplished journalist, and for all of us here – a friend and mentor. And my good mate.’

Ghidella, who was the face of Seven News in Queensland since 2007, confirmed the her sacking in a fiery Facebook post on Friday.

She said her ‘tap on the shoulder’ finally came while she was at the salon, admitting it was a ‘relief’ of sorts after several anxious weeks of media job cuts.

But she was determined not to go quietly as she took aim at the failing network for prioritising gimmicks like astrology readings over keeping veteran talent.

‘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,’ Ghidella began.

‘It wasn’t quite how I expected it to end at Channel Seven.

‘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.’

Ghidella then said her recent time at the network had been ‘miserable’ and she was glad to be heading out the door. 

‘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,’ she wrote.

‘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 has been deemed excess stock. 

‘These people are some of the best content creators in the business. They are good people and it’s been heartbreaking to watch.’

Ghidella added she was not a fan of the network’s rebranding of its news programming, which will see comedian Mark Humphries doing a comedy skit at 6.57pm tonight, and ‘Astro Tash’ start an astrology report next week. 

‘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,’ Ghidella sniped.

‘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.’ 

She ended her take-no-prisoners post by thanking the many friends she had made throughout her long career with the network. 

‘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 [in rural Queensland] a go. I owe you so much,’ she said. 

‘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.’

Seven colleagues Katrina Blowers and Samantha Heathwood told the Daily Telegraph Ghidella’s departure was a blow.

‘I am so sad about Sharyn – she was such an amazing colleague and friend. As a budding journalist, it was watching her on the Today Show and then Seven News that made me want to go into TV,’ Heathwood said.

‘Shazzy was unflappable in the most chaotic and challenging moments – she was an icon in our newsroom, and loved by every single person. We are all in shock.’

‘Sharyn has been a cherished colleague and friend for years, and I’m really sad to see her leave. Her impact on journalism and broadcasting is inspiring,’ Blowers added.

Daily Mail Australia has obtained a supportive email addressing Ghidella’s axing by Seven Queensland’s director of news Michael Coombes.

‘For 17 years, Sharyn has been a welcome guest in loungerooms across Queensland – always professional, always reliable, always warm,’ Coombes wrote.

‘But for all of us, she is so much more. A mentor, a colleague, a friend. 

‘I am sad that the team and our viewers won’t have the opportunity to give her the send-off she deserves, but I absolutely respect and understand her wishes.

‘I have nothing but admiration and gratitude for Sharyn. And I know you will all join me in wishing her the very best for the future.’

Anthony De Ceglie – the controversial blow-in from Seven’s WA newspaper business who now runs the television news division – added: ‘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.’

Ghidella worked for Ten, Nine and Seven during her lengthy media career. 

The North Queensland native was a newsreader on the Today show at Nine before joining Channel Seven in 2007. 

In January 2013, Ghidella began presenting Seven News Brisbane from Sunday to Thursday and was also appointed presenter of Today Tonight Queensland prior to the show’s axing in February 2014.

Her partner is freelance cameraman Paul Croll, and the couple share two sons. 

A cost-cutting bloodbath has commenced at Seven as the network’s news division comes under new management.

Three major names to go at the network recently include veterans Robert Ovadia, Andrew Frampton and seasoned Melbourne crime reporter Cameron Baud, who is known among friends as the ‘Harvester of Sorrow’ due to his grim news beat.

On the Sydney front, Ovadia – perhaps the most high profile of all the figures axed up until Ghidella’s – has announced he will take Seven to the Fair Work Commission for unfair dismissal.

Daily Mail Australia revealed Ovadia allegedly sent a series of strange, doctored images to a young female reporter before he was dumped.

Click here to resize this module