Channel 10 sacks chief sports presenter and Wallabies legend Matt Burke
He has been the face of sport at Channel 10 for over a decade, but the Wallabies legend’s time as the network’s chief sports presenter has come to an end.
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Rugby union legend Matt Burke has been sacked by Channel 10 as chief sports presenter.
The former Wallaby fullback was informed last Friday of the network’s decision.
He will finish up in December.
Burke has been presenting sport on the nightly news for more than a decade and is the network’s most respected sporting voice.
Channel 10 spokesperson thanked Burke for his 11 years of service at the network.
“After more than a decade, Matt Burke, sports presenter for 10 News First Sydney will be departing the Network at the end of the year,” the statement reads.
“Matt joined Network 10 in 2013 as an expert commentator for the 2013 British and Irish Lions tour to Australia and a few months later was appointed as the permanent sports presenter for 10 News First Sydney.
“Matt fronted all of Network 10’s Rugby broadcasts from 2013 until 2019 and was integral in the Network’s live coverage of the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.
“Matt is one of the most versatile and experienced sports presenters on Australian television and his passion and enthusiasm for sports, but particularly Rugby is remarkable.
“His infectious love of sport, great sense of humour and optimism will be missed in the newsroom.
“Matt leaves Network 10 with our sincere thanks and warmest wishes for the future.”
Burke declined to comment when contacted on Monday afternoon and it is understood the decision was made due to cost cutting.
However, another senior Ten employee, speaking on the condition of anonymity, spoke of the shock within the sports department.
“He’s been treated terribly,” the employee said, “Everyone loves Matty at Channel 10.
“He’s the ultimate television pro and popular throughout the newsroom.
“We’re actually gutted.”
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