Mark Beretta has announced he is stepping away from Sunrise after 22 years as a sports anchor for the breakfast show and 30 years with the Seven Network.
Beretta shared the news with viewers during Monday’s program, confirming he will leave the Sunrise desk in two weeks, ending a remarkable run that has seen him cover countless historic sporting moments.
“After a lot of long nights thinking about it, the time is right for me to step away from Sunrise. If someone had told me back in February 1995 when I walked through the doors of Seven Melbourne for my first day that 30 years later I’d still be doing the job I love, I wouldn’t have believed them,” his statement began.
“Sunrise has been a huge part of my life, and while it’s not easy to say goodbye to my Sunrise family and the show we’ve shared so much passion for, I’m incredibly proud of the work we’ve done, and the unforgettable moments shared.”
He explained that the recent loss of his father, and his mother’s ongoing cancer battle, shifted his priorities.
“Family time has become even more important. And I want to do more to help the great work of Tour de Cure in finding treatments and cures for cancer,” he said.
Beretta also thanked colleagues, mentors and viewers who have supported him across his three decades in television, adding: “My passion for sport and athletes and telling their terrific stories will never fade, and I won’t be far away.”
Seven’s Director of Morning Television, Sarah Stinson, praised his contribution, saying: “Mark has been the heartbeat of Sunrise’s sports coverage for more than two decades… We thank Mark for his incredible contribution to Sunrise and the Seven Network and wish him all the very best.”
Long-time co-host Natalie Barr also paid tribute, reflecting on their years together behind the desk.
“For more than 20 years we have sat together in the Sunrise studio and what a ride it has been… You never quite leave the Sunrise family though… so see you soon Beretts!” she said.
Beretta’s career spans 13 Olympic Games, major sporting codes including AFL, Supercars and tennis, and iconic moments such as hosting prime-time coverage of the Sydney 2000 Olympics and commentating Australia’s first Olympic Freestyle Aerials Gold in 2002.
He even carried the Olympic flame in both Sydney and Beijing.
Beretta’s final Sunrise broadcast will air on Friday 12 December, where the network will celebrate his enormous contribution to Australian sport and television.
Image: Seven
