Melissa Doyle has announced she will be leaving the Seven Network after more than two decades with the news division.
Melissa, who has held presenting and hosting roles on 11AM, Today Tonight, Sunrise, 7NEWS, Sunday Night and most recently The Latest, made the surprise announcement on Friday morning, saying she is leaving the network “with a great deal of pride, satisfaction, and gratitude”.
“For 25 years, I have called Channel Seven home,” she said in a statement. “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.”
CEO and Managing Director of Seven West Media, James Warburton, said: “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.”
Seven Network Director of News and Public Affairs, Craig McPherson, said: “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.
“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.”
Melissa also announced the news via Twitter on Friday morning, writing: “I have some personal news to share. After twenty-five years I am leaving the Seven Network. Whilst I am sad to be leaving, I do so with a great deal of pride, satisfaction and gratitude. Every ending is a beginning and I’m excited for what comes next.”
I have some personal news to share. After twenty-five years I am leaving the Seven Network. Whilst I am sad to be leaving, I do so with a great deal of pride, satisfaction and gratitude.
Every ending is a beginning and I’m excited for what comes next. https://t.co/qYfTnMLOBo pic.twitter.com/Va23lLBoeO
— Melissa Doyle AM (@melissadoyle) August 21, 2020
Many fans and presenters alike have taken to social media to wish Melissa well, with News Breakfast host Michael Rowland leading the way, writing on Twitter: “All the very best for the future, Melissa. You set a very high bar for Breakfast TV!
Meanwhile, Twitter user @Leo_Puglisi6 said: “We will miss you! Love your work Melissa….best of luck with whatever you do next!” And @BelG_P wrote: “You leave big shoes to fill Mel, all the best in the next chapter.”