After 23 years calling the shots: Channel Seven farewells beloved sports presenter Matt Carmichael

When the email landed in staff inboxes this week, it marked the end of an era for Australian sports broadcasting.

Matt Carmichael, the familiar voice who's guided viewers through everything from Olympic triumphs to AFL grand finals, is hanging up his microphone at Channel Seven after more than two decades behind the desk.

The 44-year-old learned on Monday that his role as sports editor would be made redundant, bringing down the curtain on a career that began in regional Queensland and culminated in some of the most memorable moments in Australian sports television.

A voice that defined sporting moments

Carmichael was front and centre during the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, where he conducted what became a famous interview with swimming coach Dean Boxall—you might remember Boxall's exuberant celebration after Ariarne Titmus's gold medal swim. But that wasn't his first brush with sporting history.

Back in 2008, during the Beijing Olympics, Carmichael interviewed late NBA legend Kobe Bryant, capturing one of those precious moments that defined his career. These weren't just interviews—they were pieces of sporting history, preserved by a journalist who understood the weight of the moments he was witnessing.

His coverage extended far beyond basketball courts and swimming pools. Carmichael reported on AFL, cricket, boxing, rugby union and motor sport, while also covering major events including the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games and the Australian Open.

From Queensland regional to national spotlight

Matt's journey began after completing a Bachelor of Journalism at Queensland University of Technology, where he first worked with the News-Mail in Bundaberg before joining Seven regional affiliate Seven Queensland and then Seven News Brisbane.

During his career, Carmichael worked across some of Seven's flagship programs including Sunrise, Seven Morning News, Seven Afternoon News and the network's 6pm bulletin. Most recently, he presented sport on Fridays and Saturdays, while also covering Olympic and Commonwealth Games.

His versatility set him apart in an industry where specialists often stick to one sport. Whether it was explaining the intricacies of cricket to weekend viewers or capturing the drama of Bathurst 1000, Carmichael brought the same professional polish to every assignment.

Seven's sporting empire faces changes

Channel Seven has been the home of some of Australia's biggest sporting events for decades. The network acquired cricket's free-to-air media rights in a six-year contract beginning in the 2018-19 season, broadcasting all test matches, Women's internationals, and Big Bash League matches. They also regained Supercars Championship rights in 2020, in a deal worth $200 million for five years.

Seven's director of news and current affairs Ray Kuka told staff that Carmichael would be 'taking a well-deserved extended break' and praised him as leaving 'as a script craftsman,' with his tenure ending 'fittingly after Bathurst 1000'.

The timing isn't coincidental. Like many traditional media outlets, free-to-air television networks are grappling with changing viewing habits and budget pressures. This redundancy comes as part of what's being described as 'a newsroom shake-up at Channel 7'.

What this means for Australian sports coverage

For viewers who've grown accustomed to Carmichael's steady presence during weekend sports segments, the change will be noticeable. Industry observers suggest Jelisa Apps may step into the Friday and Saturday night sports presenter role, though no official replacement has been announced.

The departure of experienced journalists like Carmichael represents more than just personnel changes—it's the loss of institutional memory and relationships built over decades. These are the people who know which questions to ask, which stories matter, and how to translate complex sporting moments for everyday viewers.

A changing media landscape

The news of Carmichael's redundancy came shortly after Channel Seven announced that weatherman Peter Murphy would be retiring after a 41-year career with the network. It's part of a broader pattern across Australian media, where long-serving personalities are stepping aside or being moved on as networks adapt to new economic realities.

For older Australians who've grown up with these familiar faces, the changes can feel unsettling. These presenters weren't just reading the news or sports results—they were trusted voices who helped make sense of the sporting world.

The human side of redundancy

Being told on a Monday that your 23-year career is ending would be devastating for anyone, particularly someone who's dedicated more than two decades to one organisation. At 44, Carmichael is young enough to rebuild elsewhere, though the Australian sports media landscape isn't overflowing with opportunities.

His LinkedIn profile, which still lists him as sports editor at Seven, now shows he's 'open to work' and available to start 'immediately' - a stark reminder of how quickly corporate decisions can reshape individual lives.

Looking ahead

While Carmichael's immediate future remains uncertain, his experience and reputation suggest he won't stay unemployed long. The Australian sports media industry, while competitive, recognises talent and experience.

His memorable moments—from Olympic pools to motor racing circuits—have left their mark on Australian sports broadcasting. That's not something easily replicated or quickly replaced.

For Channel Seven, finding someone with Carmichael's breadth of knowledge and presentation skills won't be simple. The network will need to balance experience with fresh perspectives while maintaining the quality viewers expect from their sports coverage.