Channel 7 axes Sunday Night hosted by Melissa Doyle

Channel 7’s flagship news and current affairs program Sunday Night has been axed and The Daily Telegraph understands executives are planning to resurrect an iconic Australian television show.

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Channel 7’s flagship news and current affairs program Sunday Night has been axed.

Seven’s Head of News and Current Affairs Craig McPherson told staff earlier today the 10-year-old program would no longer continue

Average ratings, controversial sackings and high costs are said to be behind the move to drop the program, which is hosted by Melissa Doyle.

Melissa Doyle Sunday Night Profile pic. Supplied by Seven.

While some insiders have hinted there may be plans to resurrect Today Tonight, others within the company believe that won’t be happening.

Insiders say Sunday Night host Doyle and valuable journalists, cameramen and producers will be found new jobs within the network.

“After 11 years at the forefront of our Public Affairs offering, it is with much sadness I announce the closing down of the day-to-day operations of Sunday Night: True Stories,” said Mr McPherson.

“I want to thank the exceptional team of reporters, producers, camera operators, editors and many others who have helped produce more than 500 hours of quality public affairs programming over its lifetime,” he added.

Mr McPherson confirmed that Sunday Night will remain on air until the end of the year, with a ‘small production team’ continuing to produce episodes.

Originally published as Channel 7 axes Sunday Night hosted by Melissa Doyle