TV newsreader Graeme Goodings axed by Channel 7 after 34 years

CHANNEL Seven viewers have expressed outrage over the decision to sack veteran newsreader Graeme Goodings, with many vowing to stop watching the top-rating news bulletin.

CHANNEL Seven viewers have expressed outrage over the decision to sack veteran newsreader Graeme Goodings, with many vowing to stop watching the top-rating news bulletin.

Goodings, 66, was yesterday axed as Seven’s weekend newsreader after 34 years with the station, a shock decision which left him without the opportunity to farewell his loyal viewers.

The enduring newsman was “blindsided” when told he was being replaced, effective immediately, and that his contract - which was expiring at the end of this year - would not be renewed.

But fans of the popular presenter have rallied behind him, with more than 600 messages of support left on the The Advertiser’s Facebook page, and many declaring they will stop watching Seven’s news in protest.

Steve Venning-Smith wrote: “Thank you Graeme for being a true gentleman and a ‘real’ newsreader for all South Australians. You will be sorely missed. Channel 7 has not only lost a quality bloke it has now lost a viewer.”

Julie Ann Evans was another viewer to express her disappointment.

“Disgraceful treatment for a loyal and longstanding employee. Channel 7 ... won’t be watching you news bulletins again (sic). Bean cutters and executives have no heart. Shame on you!”

Carol Mickan added: “Totally disgusted Channel 7. Will not EVER watch your news again. All the best to our fav news reader.”

Speaking to Advertiser.com.au earlier this morning, Goodings said he had received several messages from colleagues and read many of the kind words from viewers on social media.

“I am totally overwhelmed by the wonderful show of support from the people of South Australia,” he said.

“It is quite a humbling experience to read the messages of support.”

Goodings’ sudden axing was handed down in the same week the bowel cancer survivor celebrated 10 years free of the disease.

“I dearly would have liked the opportunity to go on air one more time and thank all the followers and people who have supported me for many, many years,” he told The Advertiser yesterday. “Even though I’m on the books until the end of December, they will not allow me to read another bulletin.”

Goodings said he was “grossly disappointed” with the decision.

“It’s quite bizarre. When I finished reading the news last (Sunday) night, it was business as usual ... now this is a bolt out of the blue,” he said.

“I’m not ready to retire — some people may think I am but I’m not. I’m enjoying my work as much as I ever have.

“I love journalism, I love news presenting ... it wasn’t even on the horizon to retire. I still think I’ve got something to offer but it’s been taken out of my hands,” he said.

Goodings read his last bulletin on Sunday night and no mention was made of his departure on last night’s edition of Seven News.

Seven’s weekday newsreader for more than two decades, Goodings took several months off to battle bowel cancer in 2004, before returning in 2005 to present the weekend news bulletin.

“It’s a day of mixed emotions I mean my wife (Eve) and I are celebrating the fact I survived bowel cancer, and at the end of the day I’m out of a job,” he said.

“Life can be very fickle.”

In a press release, Seven said Goodings had been offered the opportunity to continue in a “reduced capacity”, but had declined the deal.

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