Massive Channel Seven layoff affects 150 personnel, including one TV staple
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Channel Seven has been one of the biggest television networks in Australia since time immemorial.
It brought us our daily news and sources of entertainment through their shows.
However, in a stunning turn of events, the channel cut off a significant number in their workforce—including a popular weather presenter—which left many viewers and employees reeling.
Channel Seven Queensland's weather presenter Paul Burt was part of the layoffs, which also included 150 staff members.
This move was a significant blow to the on-air talent and behind-the-scenes teams, signalling a period of intense change and uncertainty within Australian media.
Paul Burt, known for his lively and engaging weather reports, has been a staple on Channel Seven for many years.
His passion for the outdoors extended beyond the weather segment.
He also had his show, Step Outside with Paul Burt, which aired on 7Mate every Sunday.
Burt's dedication to his craft and audience was evident when he interrupted a live TV cross to dash into the surf to rescue a 10-year-old boy at Surfers Paradise.
His generous nature and willingness to go the extra mile for a story endeared him to viewers and colleagues alike.
However, despite his popularity and commitment, Burt was absent from the weather bulletin Tuesday night.
Brisbane reporter Tony Auden stepped in to fill his role.
The decision to part ways with Burt and other staff members came as Seven West Media (SWM), Channel Seven's parent company, faced financial pressures and a need for cost-cutting.
In an email sent to staff, Chief Executive Jeff Howard cited Meta's non-renewal towards a deal to pay Australian news pages as a contributing factor for the cost reduction.
'A number of roles across the company will change, and unfortunately, some people will be leaving us,' Mr Howard wrote.
'We will work hard to reduce the impact on people as much as we can, and we will make sure that our people are fully supported.'
Several executives also parted ways with SWM, including Chief Revenue Officer Kurt Burnette, Chief Marketing and Audience Officer Melissa Hopkins, and Seven's Head of Sport, Lewis Martin, who was also the Managing Director for Melbourne.
Together, the three executives dedicated a combined 65 years to SWM, and their departures mark the end of an era for the company.
SWM is looking to streamline its operations to save about $100 million.
Howard acknowledged that their cost base of $1.2 billion per year is currently unsustainable and should be reduced further.
'As we look into FY25, we are faced with continuing upward pressure on this cost base,' Mr Howard said.
The company, which also owns The West Australian newspaper, plans to restructure into three divisions: digital, TV, and Western Australia, hoping to create a more viable and competitive business model moving forward.
As we bid farewell to Burt and the staff members who contributed to Channel Seven's broadcasting history, we are reminded of the importance of adaptability and resilience in an industry constantly in flux.
We extend our best wishes to those affected by these layoffs.
What were your favourite moments from Paul Burt's tenure at Seven? How do you feel about this significant shift in Australian media? Share your thoughts and stories with us in the comments below.
It brought us our daily news and sources of entertainment through their shows.
However, in a stunning turn of events, the channel cut off a significant number in their workforce—including a popular weather presenter—which left many viewers and employees reeling.
Channel Seven Queensland's weather presenter Paul Burt was part of the layoffs, which also included 150 staff members.
This move was a significant blow to the on-air talent and behind-the-scenes teams, signalling a period of intense change and uncertainty within Australian media.
Paul Burt, known for his lively and engaging weather reports, has been a staple on Channel Seven for many years.
His passion for the outdoors extended beyond the weather segment.
Channel Seven's massive layoffs affected staff and one of its presenters, Paul Burt. Image Credits: Facebook/Channel Seven, YouTube, Step Outside with Paul Burt
He also had his show, Step Outside with Paul Burt, which aired on 7Mate every Sunday.
Burt's dedication to his craft and audience was evident when he interrupted a live TV cross to dash into the surf to rescue a 10-year-old boy at Surfers Paradise.
His generous nature and willingness to go the extra mile for a story endeared him to viewers and colleagues alike.
However, despite his popularity and commitment, Burt was absent from the weather bulletin Tuesday night.
Brisbane reporter Tony Auden stepped in to fill his role.
The decision to part ways with Burt and other staff members came as Seven West Media (SWM), Channel Seven's parent company, faced financial pressures and a need for cost-cutting.
In an email sent to staff, Chief Executive Jeff Howard cited Meta's non-renewal towards a deal to pay Australian news pages as a contributing factor for the cost reduction.
'A number of roles across the company will change, and unfortunately, some people will be leaving us,' Mr Howard wrote.
'We will work hard to reduce the impact on people as much as we can, and we will make sure that our people are fully supported.'
Several executives also parted ways with SWM, including Chief Revenue Officer Kurt Burnette, Chief Marketing and Audience Officer Melissa Hopkins, and Seven's Head of Sport, Lewis Martin, who was also the Managing Director for Melbourne.
Together, the three executives dedicated a combined 65 years to SWM, and their departures mark the end of an era for the company.
SWM is looking to streamline its operations to save about $100 million.
Howard acknowledged that their cost base of $1.2 billion per year is currently unsustainable and should be reduced further.
'As we look into FY25, we are faced with continuing upward pressure on this cost base,' Mr Howard said.
The company, which also owns The West Australian newspaper, plans to restructure into three divisions: digital, TV, and Western Australia, hoping to create a more viable and competitive business model moving forward.
As we bid farewell to Burt and the staff members who contributed to Channel Seven's broadcasting history, we are reminded of the importance of adaptability and resilience in an industry constantly in flux.
We extend our best wishes to those affected by these layoffs.
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