Popular newsreader Paul Lobb to be replaced by Gavin Morris on NBN News
The axing of popular NBN Newsreader Paul Lobb has been met with anger and confusion from many viewers. A change.org petition demanding he be allowed to come to our screens.
Newcastle
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The people have spoken, and they want Lobby back.
A decision by the Nine Network to axe long-term NBN News newsreader and journalist Paul Lobb as anchor of the high-rating news bulletin on weekdays has been slammed by viewers.
Instead, weather presenter Gavin Morris will take over on the desk alongside Natasha Beyersdorf in January as the faces of the station’s popular localised news bulletin, which covers northern NSW and inland across New England and parts of north-west NSW.
The controversial change which has seen the notable sudden absence of Lobb from the desk this week, has rumours swirling as to why the respected newsreader, who has been with the station for more than 23 years, has been given the boot.
It’s also prompted a swift response from viewers, with a change.org petition now circulating demanding that NBN News rescind their decision to axe the much-loved anchor.
“Local viewers hold great respect for Paul who has continued to display a very professional presentation each evening,” it read.
“I am asking you to sign this petition to try and have this decision reversed.”
As of Friday afternoon, it had already gathered more than 1500 signatures and was growing, with a target of 2500.
The news has also seen a flurry of comments on social media of those who are both confused and angered by the decision.
“Paul is such a gentleman and a born and bred Novocastrian. This is poor form NBN,” one man said.
“A really poor choice from new management. Paul Lobb is a highly respected newsreader, such a silly decision,” another commented.
“We love Lobby,” a viewer posted.
“What has he done to deserve that,” another commented.
The decision has even seen some disgruntled viewers vow to boycott the station.
“Let’s hurt them with the ratings. Don’t watch the nine news,” a viewer commented on Facebook.
“That’s another reason not to watch the NBN News,” another said.
His axing comes less than four months after his brother, Andy Lobb, was let go after being the station’s long-term chief of staff.
Paul Lobb’s exit also comes after more than 20 people were sacked by NBN’s owner, Nine Entertainment, in the past 12 months.
The station has just moved from its long-term headquarters on Mosbri Crescent to Honeysuckle as management continues to downsize its operations in Newcastle.
In the internal email to staff on Monday, Nine’s managing director for Queensland and northern NSW, Kylie Blucher, said the decision was “a tough one to announce”.
The Newcastle News contacted Nine in relation to the recent backlash and the petition, but it is yet to respond.
Mr Lobb has also been contacted.
Earlier
Paul Lobb axed from NBN News
Long-term NBN newsreader and journalist Paul Lobb has been axed from the high-rating news bulletin in the latest of a long-list of controversial changes to the television station.
In an email sent to staff on Monday and seen by The Newcastle News, senior management announced the highly-respected Lobb would finish up as the anchor of NBN News.
Weather presenter Gavin Morris will join Natasha Beyersdorf as the faces of the station’s popular news bulletin, which covers northern NSW and inland across New England and parts of north-west NSW.
Lobb has been with the station for more than 23 years.
He replaced Ray Dinneen in 2010 as the male anchor of the hour-long news bulletin after years of award-winning work as a reporter.
His axing comes less than four months after his brother, Andy Lobb, was let go after being the station’s long-term chief of staff.
Paul Lobb’s exit comes after more than 20 people were sacked by NBN’s owner, Nine Entertainment, in the past 12 months.
The station has just moved from its long-term headquarters on Mosbri Crescent to Honeysuckle as management continues to downsize its operations in Newcastle.
Lobb was a notable omission from the station’s news coverage on Monday night.
In the internal email to staff on Monday, Nine’s managing director for Queensland and northern NSW, Kylie Blucher, said the decision was “a tough one to announce”.
“Paul has been front and centre in loungerooms across Northern New South Wales delivering the local national and international stories our audience depends on,’’ Ms Blucher said.
“Over the past decade Lobby had built an enviable relationship with our viewers based on trust and his recognised commitment to news.
“It’s not only the audience who have come to love and trust Lobby, for nearly 24 years he has always been the first one to put the hand up to lend-a-hand, support his mates, and always does it with a smile on his face.’’
Morris, who will continue to present the weather, will begin partnering Beyersdorf from January.
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