Veteran news presenter Steve Titmus finds new job after Gold Coast bulletin axed

Channel Seven Gold Coast News presenter Steve Titmus has wasted no time finding a new job after the news service was dumped.

Steve Titmus Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen/Courier Mail

Channel Seven Gold Coast News presenter Steve Titmus has wasted no time finding a new job with the veteran broadcaster set to slip into the sports chair for the station’s statewide bulletin.

Titmus, who spent the past three years hosting the network’s 5.30pm Gold Coast news alongside Amanda Abate before the shock decision by station management to pull the plug this week, will take over next month from Shane Webcke who has decided to step away from the full-time duties.

Titmus said it was sad to say goodbye to Seven’s Gold Coast bulletin, which went head-to-head with rival Nine for almost a decade.

Many staff who worked on the Gold Coast team have been offered positions as part of a streamlined Glitter Strip bureau or at the station’s Queensland headquarters in Brisbane, but there were some casualties, following on from a round of job cuts in July, which included popular weather presenter Paul Burt and a number of news production staff.

“It was tough and it is sad any time people lose their jobs,” he said.

“It was an absolute pleasure to present the Gold Coast news but we need to be realistic about the way the media and television industries are changing and how do we get the maximum impact out of our resources.

“The television industry is going through an enormous amount of change … but for us, we will still be telling Gold Coast stories and they will get a greater audience during the 6pm bulletin.”

Despite a 40-year career in journalism, Titmus is perhaps best known as the excitable dad of Queensland Olympic swimming champ Ariarne and he said he would bring his trademark passion and enthusiasm to the Brisbane sports desk.

“I’m very excited about the new role,” he said.

“I started my journalism career covering sport and even earlier than that I was calling greyhound racing in Launceston when I was 14, so sport has played an enormous part in my working life.

“I have also been very active as a sportsperson, playing cricket and state volleyball in Tasmania, so I’m very familiar with sport both at the grassroots and at the highest level.

“What viewers will get is someone who is a passionate and enthusiastic sports person.

“I will bring a lot of energy to the desk.”

As to whether he will be able to secure exclusive interviews with his superstar daughter?

“That’s going to be my first challenge,” he said.

“Getting an exclusive interview with Arnie.”

Webcke has previously confirmed his intention to step away from full-time presenting to focus on his family business, but will remain part of the network’s stable of experts during the NRL season.