Liz Cantor on new role at Channel 10 and reuniting with Sharyn Ghidella

It was a ‘fantastic opportunity’ that TV personality Liz Cantor did not want to refuse. But there was a major sticking point. Here’s how she flipped the script.

Liz Cantor is a lesson in how to use your voice.

Offered an incredible job as weather presenter for Channel 10’s Queensland nightly news bulletin, just launched on Monday, there was only one obstacle … leaving her beloved Creek to Coast and Weekender gigs on Channel 7.

After almost 20 years presenting the outdoor-based programs, Ms Cantor couldn’t bear to leave, aware of what a legacy it is to be part of a free to air show for this amount of time, but she also didn’t want to miss out on the opportunity at Channel 10.

So, like the little girl in the Old El Paso commercial, she asked a simple question … why not both?

While Cantor is typically modest when describing her role in securing the agreement, it takes someone who knows their worth to speak up and ask.

“Ten immediately okayed it, seeing value in those shows. But when I asked Seven if there was any way I could do 10 news but also Creek to Coast and Weekender, I was told that it just wasn’t done,” said the mum of three.

“When I asked why it wasn’t done, no one really had a reason. So I kept pushing and they said, well, let’s see what we can figure out.

“I was so stressed because I knew Channel 10 was such a fantastic opportunity, and also the right thing for my family, but I just couldn’t leave behind the outdoor programs.

“When we were briefly cancelled during Covid, there was such an outpouring of love for those shows, the flood of comments online that we were like a ‘warm blanket’, that we were brought back just days later, I couldn’t abandon that community.

“So when I finally got the call, I was shooting a segment for Creek to Coast out at Barcaldine, in the midst of the red dirt, when the bosses at Channel 7 said, in recognition of my 18 years’ commitment to the shows, they got it across the line. I could do both.

“I just burst into tears.”

Liz Cantor says being offered the job as weather presenter for Channel 10’s Queensland nightly news was a “fantastic opportunity”. Photo: Steve Pohlner

Cantor said it was a credit to both Channels 7 and 10 that they could see the value not just in her role, but in working together.

She said the dual network deal was ultimately not only good for the networks, but media professionals and audiences.

“I thank both networks for their foresight and ability to be open-minded, I think we’re at the stage now where it no longer needs to be 7 versus 9 versus 10, but all free-to-air channels should be working together to keep viewers there rather than switching off for streaming,” she said.

“I’m very proud to be one of the first who’s working across the two networks, and I hope I won’t be the last. In my case, it worked because what I do at 10 won’t compete with what I do at 7, but there is a nice crossover between outdoor programming and weather reporting – and I think that kind of crossover will work for others as well.

“I’d love to see networks make room for people as specialists in their field, not just a face for a network, and I think audiences understand that too.

“Freelancers and contractors can do that but then they’re missing out on the security and benefits, hopefully we can see a mesh of the two worlds.”

When it came to swapping networks for news programs, Cantor said her decision to leave was not as difficult.

Liz Cantor and Sharyn Ghidella.

Not only was it an opportunity to present a nightly statewide show, it was also a chance to reunite with Sharyn Ghidella, who will anchor 10’s Queensland news after being dumped from her high-profile Channel 7 role in Brisbane after 17 years with the network.

“What really bothered me was the conversation that came up about Sharyn’s dollar value and what she was costing … if people only knew what she did off-air, she was worth every cent,” said Cantor.

“I first started working with Sharyn in 2007 and I have always really looked up to her. She will always take time to help any member of her team – whether you needed help writing a script, or needed advice about presenting, there were so many things she did off-camera, just educating the newsroom, that made her contribution priceless.

“She is such a team player and I wish there had been an opportunity to find solutions or for negotiations to discuss her role.

“But I’m really excited to be joining her again, she is one of the best anchors that Australia has ever seen, she is going to take such good care of this bulletin.

“Of course it’s not easy to leave my 7 news colleagues, but I’m happy that our news programs are in different timeslots so we’re not in direct competition.”

Liz Cantor and daughter Sky at Broadbeach in November last year with Channel 7 colleagues Amanda Abate and Pia 15, and Sally Pearson with Harry. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

Cantor said she was also grateful that Channel 10 was making room for working mothers.

With three young children at home on the Gold Coast, she said her family had to come first when sorting her working schedule.

“When (10 News executive editor) Erin Edwards called, she was so open to working with my family commitments,” said Cantor.

“I explained that I can’t be away five days a week, so we figured out a structure where I can work from here three days a week, doing outside broadcasts, and two days a week from Brisbane.

“The fact that 10 News goes to air at 5pm and is finished by 6pm means that no matter what, I’ll be home in time to read my kids a bedtime story.

“That’s my love language … reading that novel before they fall asleep makes me feel like I’m really present and I’m so fortunate that 10 is truly a family friendly place.

“Even when we were getting ready the week before launch, I realised that my son had an AFL presentation in the middle of the day and they were like, don’t worry about it, go do that and then just come back.

“It’s so amazing to have that support. I don’t need to have that mum guilt, it’s a team of working parents, we all want to be there for our families but also be true to ourselves.

“Of course, I’m also lucky to have a husband who is such a great co-parent.”

Liz Cantor. Picture: Nigel Hallett.

When it comes to her plans for presenting the weather, Cantor said she predicted the scenery of SEQ would play a major role.

She said her experience with Creek to Coast and Weekender meant that not only did she know some top spots for outside broadcasts, but she also understood the impact and importance of weather to local communities.

And as a former professional surfer and long-time Gold Coaster, she said her reputation could depend upon a great surf report.

“All of these roles across the two networks really work so perfectly together,” she said.

“Weather obviously has a huge impact on every region, but I also know what a big impact local weather can have on so many people – whether they have weddings planned, or need to know if their kids will need an umbrella, or just want to figure out what to wear.

“I was so fortunate to learn under John Schluter, and Tony Auden was also one of the first meteorologists I worked with, and I have a good grasp of meteorology, and have done the courses, but I also know that sometimes you can’t just beat a local’s understanding, so I want to lean in to that knowledge.”

So for every armchair meteorologist, this is your chance.

Because not only does she know how to use her voice, but Liz Cantor also loves to listen.