Bill McDonald bites the bulletin as Seven throws out the anchor

CHANNEL 7 presenter Bill McDonald has been dumped from the network following six months of contract negotiations.

Bill McDonald, 50, confirmed to The Courier-Mail that Seven had “been upfront with where things were at with them” throughout the process.

CHANNEL 7 presenter Bill McDonald has been dumped from the network.

The Courier-Mail can reveal the anchor, who has presented the 6pm news alongside Sharyn Ghidella since 2013, will front his last bulletin for the Brisbane bureau today after six months of contract negotiations.

Seven news and current affairs boss Craig McPherson confirmed McDonald would no longer be part of the Seven Network after “some sports broadcasting work for the Commonwealth Games” in April.

However, he denied persistent rumours of tumultuous discussions between Seven and McDonald, saying they had reached an “amicable agreement” to part ways.

“His contract was coming up (for renewal) and, as you do with everybody, we started talking to him about what he wants and what we want,” Mr McPherson said. “We came to the realisation that it was time for us to make a change and for Bill to explore other potential opportunities.”

Mr McPherson acknowledged the decision stemmed from issues including ratings and money, with Seven Brisbane’s Monday to Friday 6pm bulletin having lost out to Channel 9’s last year. Nine News won 38 out of 40 of the ratings weeks, averaging 202,800 viewers to Seven News’ 185,500.

“The media landscape is changing dramatically, particularly in an economic sense, and there were some stresses on that. All decisions we make now are based on ratings impact and cost, and sadly not always in that order. But it’s just the way it is and we have to be realistic.”

Mr McPherson denied negotiations failed due to a speculated pay gap between McDonald and Ghidella, who is rumoured to earn “significantly more”. Picture: Mark Calleja

But Mr McPherson denied negotiations failed due to a speculated pay gap between McDonald and Ghidella, who is rumoured to earn “significantly more”.

“Bill is very well liked and respected in the corridors of Seven, and I can say categorically that he has not made any outrageous demands,” he said.

He also admitted Brisbane was “a tough market” for Seven and the network was focused on overtaking Nine in a “very close race”.

McDonald, 50, confirmed to The Courier-Mail that Seven had “been upfront with where things were at with them” throughout the process.

Mr McPherson said Ghidella would continue presenting the 6pm news Monday-Friday but there would be an announcement regarding the bulletin after a restructure of the newsroom.

“There are no issues with Sharyn. She is a terrific reader and, when we announce the change, I’m sure it will be a very formidable team,” he said.

McDonald said in a statement provided to The Courier-Mail he had enjoyed his time with the company and was looking forward to exploring other opportunities.

“I have a strong history in sport and have been wanting to explore more opportunities there,” he said.

“This change finally allows me to be more present in my growing media company … so I’m really excited to now be able to fully explore fresh opportunities in digital, news, sport and corporate.”

Seven Brisbane’s general manager Ben Roberts-Smith said those at the station wished McDonald the best with his future endeavours.

“Bill has been an integral part of the Seven Brisbane team and will be sorely missed in the newsroom,” he said.

“We all wish Bill the best in his decision to explore a new chapter in his career and look forward to his continued contribution to Seven sport.”