Mellisa Doyle is leaving Channel 7 after 25 years.
The veteran presenter took to social media to announce her decision to walk away.
“For 25 years, I have called Channel 7 home,” Doyle said.
“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.”
Seven CEO James Warburton and Director of News and Public Affairs, Craig McPherson,opened up about the veteran journalist’s departure.
“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,” Warburton said.
Meanwhile, McPherson described her as having been a “fundamental” part of the Seven team.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
Speculation surrounding Doyle’s future at the network had been swirling since last year’s axing of Sunday Night. She survived the cost-cutting cull at the time, and went on to become a regular host of the channel’s coronavirus coverage in recent months.
Speaking to the Sydney Morning Herald today, she said Seven has been “a very big part of her”.
“You know I have worked half of my life at Seven, it has been a very big part of me,” Doyle said.
“But today is about reflecting on what I achieved over that time, to feel positive about that and thankful for the opportunities I’ve had, and there have been so many extraordinary opportunities for me.”
While Doyle is keeping quiet on what is next flr her career, she says that she is “not the sort of person to sit on my butt and do nothing”.
Following the shock announcement, the journalist’s media industry colleagues flocked to comment on her departure and offer their well wishes.
Journalist Steve Pennells posted that he is “honoured” to have worked alongside her.
Author and reporter Sandra Lee wrote that it was “Seven’s loss”.
Channel 9’s Today Extra host David Campbell took to social media to say: “What an incredible run. Congratulations. See you soon.”
Nine’s A Current Affair host Tracy Grimshaw also posted: “Congratulations on 25 years in a competitive game, and an extraordinary body of work Mel. I look forward to seeing what you do next.”
Seven released their own statement about the beloved journo.
“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.
Doyle joined Sunrise in 1997 and co-hosted the breakfast program until August 2013.
Doyle currently also hosts weekend breakfast on Smooth FM radio.
