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Michael Pell: Has sun set on exec’s Seven stint?

SUNRISE boss Michael Pell is at the centre of what could one of the biggest shake-ups in Australian TV.

SUNRISE boss Michael Pell is at the centre of what could one of the biggest shake-ups in Australian TV.

With his contract as Sunrise executive producer up this year, rival networks and overseas broadcasters are out to poach the 34-year-old who is known as boy wonder in media circles.

Confidential understands Channel 10 have approached Pell to join The Project.

Pell had a hand in bringing Edwina Bartholemew to Sunrise. Picture: The Australian / Renee Nowytarger
Pell had a hand in bringing Edwina Bartholemew to Sunrise. Picture: The Australian / Renee Nowytarger
The Project presenters Waleed Aly, Carrie Bickmore and Peter Helliar. Could Pell soon be coaching them? Picture: Richard Dobson
The Project presenters Waleed Aly, Carrie Bickmore and Peter Helliar. Could Pell soon be coaching them? Picture: Richard Dobson

Pell was seen dining with The Project’s EP Craig Campbell at Otto on Woolloomooloo Wharf on Saturday where they were deep in conversation. The pair have reportedly been friends for years.

Pell has been running Channel 7’s Sunrise for nearly seven years and sources close to the TV executive have told Confidential he is seriously considering making the move.

Michael Pell and Samantha Armytage
Michael Pell and Samantha Armytage

“Michael has been at Seven and Sunrise for a long time,” the source said.

“He has done it all with the show and the fresh challenge is very attractive.

“Michael’s passion is live TV, so The Project would be a great option for him to shake things up.”

Across Sunrise and Weekend Sunrise, Pell oversees over 24 hours of live television a week.

What specific role Campbell has been offered is not known.

The Sunrise crew: Natalie Barr, Samantha Armytage, David Koch, Mark Beretta, Edwina Bartholomew. Picture: The Australian / Renee Nowytarger
The Sunrise crew: Natalie Barr, Samantha Armytage, David Koch, Mark Beretta, Edwina Bartholomew. Picture: The Australian / Renee Nowytarger

If Pell was to take a role at Ten it could mean a move from Sydney to Melbourne where The Project is filmed.

It is understood Pell has also fielded offers from overseas broadcasters. He has previously knocked back offers to work in New York.

Pell has long been a favourite at Seven and is rumoured to be one of the top paid executives at the network.

Channel 7 chairman Kerry Stokes is said to be a big fan of the ambitious producer.

Pell has championed the Channel 7 brekkie show to win five ratings years over Today, and Sunrise looks set to claim the 2017 year after dominating in the ratings last week with more viewers than its rival on every day.

He was instrumental in bring fresh talent to Sunrise including the show’s hosts Samantha Armytage, Edwina Bartholemew and Sam Mac. When asked about his contract and a potential move yesterday, Pell did not comment.

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Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/sydney-confidential/michael-pell-has-sun-set-on-execs-ch-7-seven-stint/news-story/7ac64f5d9be8fa7a1d888e748952cb7a