Melissa Doyle leaves Channel 7

The veteran Channel 7 presenter has revealed she’s parting ways with the network after 25 years.

Melissa Doyle has announced she is leaving Channel 7 after 25 years with the network.

The veteran presenter, who was replaced by Samantha Armytage on Seven’s breakfast program Sunrise in 2013, most recently co-hosted The Latest alongside Michael Usher.

“For 25 years, I have called Channel 7 home,” Doyle said in a statement. “I’ve had the privilege to share stories that mattered, meet incredible people and be there for significant moments in history.”

Melissa Doyle is leaving Seven. Picture: Seven.

“I am incredibly proud of the work I have done and appreciative of the trust and warmth our viewers have shown me. I want to thank the consummate professionals I have worked with along the way, in particular our Chairman Kerry Stokes for his constant support. I leave Seven with a great deal of pride, satisfaction and gratitude.”

On Twitter, Doyle said: “Every ending is a beginning and I’m excited for what comes next.”

I have some personal news to share. After twenty-five years I am leaving the Seven Network. Whilst I am sad to be leaving, I do so with a great deal of pride, satisfaction and gratitude.

Every ending is a beginning and I’m excited for what comes next. https://t.co/qYfTnMLOBo pic.twitter.com/Va23lLBoeO

— Melissa Doyle (@melissadoyle) August 21, 2020

Seven CEO James Warburton and Director of News and Public Affairs, Craig McPherson, also spoke out about Doyle’s departure.

“Melissa has deserved every success that’s come her way and has been a huge part of the Network. On behalf of everyone at Seven West Media I want to wish Mel the very best and thank her for everything she’s done for the Seven Network,” Warburton said.

Meanwhile, McPherson described her as having been a “fundamental” part of the Seven team.

“From reporting to presenting to mentoring her colleagues, Mel has been a fundamental part of the Seven Network’s News and Public Affairs team for more than two decades,” he said.

“Classy, professional and a delight to work with, Mel leaves us with a history she should be enormously proud of. On behalf of all her former and current colleagues here at Seven, I’d like to thank her for contributing so much to our successes and wish her every success in her next endeavour.”

Covering the Royal Wedding with Michael Usher. Picture: @melissadoyle7 / Instagram

Speculation surrounding Doyle’s future at the network had been swirling since last year’s axing of Sunday Night. She survived the cost-cutting cull at the time, and went on to become a regular host of the channel’s coronavirus coverage in recent months.

Speaking to the Sydney Morning Herald today, she said Seven has been “a very big part of her”.

“You know I have worked half of my life at Seven, it has been a very big part of me,” Doyle said.

“But today is about reflecting on what I achieved over that time, to feel positive about that and thankful for the opportunities I’ve had, and there have been so many extraordinary opportunities for me.”

While she remained tight-lipped about her next steps, she added that she “is not the sort of person to sit on my butt and do nothing”.

Following the announcement, Doyle’s media industry colleagues flocked to comment on her departure and offer their well wishes, with journalist Steve Pennells posting that he is “honoured” to have worked alongside her.

Journalist and author Sandra Lee wrote that it was “Seven’s loss”.

Meanwhile, Channel 9’s Today Extra host David Campbell wrote: “What an incredible run. Congratulations. See you soon.”

Nine’s A Current Affair host Tracy Grimshaw also posted: “Congratulations on 25 years in a competitive game, and an extraordinary body of work Mel. I look forward to seeing what you do next.”

One of the best in the business. I’m honoured to have worked alongside @melissadoyle and even prouder to call her a friend.
They don’t come any nicer or classier than this.#melissadoyle #7news #SN7 pic.twitter.com/G87pU8r6uA

— Steve Pennells (@pennells) August 21, 2020

Great talent, decent woman. Seven’s loss. Good luck, @melissadoyle https://t.co/gGU1wpgvsq

— Sandra Lee (@FitToPrint) August 21, 2020

What a huge loss for @Channel7 as @melissadoyle announces she’s leaving the Network. I’m not sure there’s anyone better in the business. Best of luck for the next chapter.

— Dan Bennett (@DanMBennett) August 21, 2020

Professional, warm and a Giant!
Congratulations and enjoy all the next chapter holds.
See you at the footy @melissadoyle @JDSportsMgmt 🧡 https://t.co/z5iQLBrZah

— Megan Hustwaite (@MeganHustwaite) August 21, 2020

25 YEARS AT SEVEN

Seven will air a special tribute celebrating Doyle’s decades-long career with the network at 6pm tonight.

The 50-year-old started with Seven in 1995 at its Canberra bureau in Parliament House before moving across to the Sydney newsroom.

She went on to hold presenting and hosting roles on 11AM, Ansett News, the daily news programs at 4pm, 6pm and 7pm, Today Tonight, Sunrise, Sunday Night, and most recently, The Latest.

In the early days of her career. Picture: @melissadoyle7 / Instagram

“During that time, she has covered some of the most significant news events in our recent history including the Beaconsfield mine disaster, Olympic Games in Sydney, Athens and Beijing, the National day of mourning for the victims of the Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 tragedy, the Lindt café siege, the Paris attacks, Centenary of ANZAC commemorations in Gallipoli, the Royal Weddings of Prince William and Catherine Middleton and later Harry and Meghan and multiple state and federal elections,” Seven said in a statement on Friday.

Doyle joined Sunrise in 1997 and co-hosted the breakfast program until August 2013.

The Sunday Night program was axed in 2019 after 11 years.

Doyle currently also hosts weekend breakfast on Smooth FM radio.

Responding to her announcement, ABC News Breakfast host Michael Rowland said on Twitter: “All the very best for the future, Melissa. You set a high bar for Breakfast TV!”

Nine presenter Deborah Knight agreed.

“Go well Mel. You set the bar very high!” she said.