Fans of Channel Seven‘s veteran weatherman Paul Burt have slammed the network after he was axed following almost three decades in the industry as part of a cost-cutting bloodbath.
The Queensland presenter was let go from the 7News and has since announced his latest venture – Burty’s Friday Fishing Report, as part of his series Step Outside with Paul Burt.
In an Instagram post shared on Friday, Burt took a savage swipe at Channel Seven who have prioritised gimmicks like astrology readings over keeping veteran talent.
‘No more waiting through the: News Bulletin, Astrology Report & The News Comedian to see what’s on the bite,’ he wrote in his caption.
Fans flocked the comments in support of the well-loved weatherman and vented their outrage over the brutal axing.
‘Channel 7 have a lot to answer for! What they did to you is wrong. They have lost touch,’ one user wrote.
‘So sorry Paul my hubby and I were absolutely shocked, we wish you all the best looking forward to to seeing you again on our TV, hopefully onto better things,’ another added.
‘Can’t believe we now have an astrology and comedy on the news! Embarrassing and ridiculous! So glad for your next chapter!’ someone commented, to which Burty replied, ‘I know right lose jobs to save money then spend money on horoscopes and comedians in the news.’
Fans of Channel Seven ‘s veteran weatherman Paul Burt have slammed the network after he was axed following almost three decades in the industry as part of a cost-cutting bloodbath
In an Instagram post shared on Friday, Burt took a savage swipe at Channel Seven who have prioritised gimmicks like astrology readings over keeping veteran talent
‘Bit rough they just cut you off like that tonight on the news. All the best in the future mate!!’ one penned, with Burt responding, ‘Thanks mate and didn’t expect anything less to be honest with you.’
Burt’s fellow colleague and veteran Channel Seven presenter Sharyn Ghidella, who was also axed from the network earlier this month after almost four decades in the news industry, also shared a heartfelt message.
‘All the best, Burty for what lies ahead. You are so good at what you do… I’m sure there are many exciting adventures ahead for you. Good luck, not that you’ll need it, at all. Bet the offers are already rolling in. Xx,’ she wrote.
In his response, Burt commended Ghidella’s hard work after being the face of Seven News in Queensland since 2007.
Fans flocked the comments in support of the well-loved weatherman and vented their outrage over the brutal axing
‘Thanks Sharyn, I can say the same for you my friend, who would’ve thought hey,’ he began.
‘This salty old sea dog barely holds a candle to the icon you are. I know I’ve said it a lot before to you but honestly, they really have lost out big time when they let you go. Your passion and genuine love for what you did shone through, you’re a legend in the game and didn’t deserve this. I’m grateful to call you a friend as we navigate new chapters together.’
Burt told The Courier Mail he was enjoying a weekend away in Melbourne when he received a phone call telling him to come into the office on his next day back.
‘I felt instantly ill. I don’t get many weekends off so it put a dampener on everything,’ he admitted.
‘By the time I went into the studio when I got back, some of my colleagues there had already been let go earlier that morning, so I knew what was coming.’
Burt’s fellow colleague and veteran Channel Seven presenter Sharyn Ghidella, who was also axed from the network earlier this month after almost four decades in the news industry, also shared a heartfelt message
In his response, Burt commended Ghidella’s hard work after being the face of Seven News in Queensland since 2007
Burt admitted he was left ‘shocked and embarrassed’ by the news and took aim at network bosses who offered him ‘no leniency’ in the firing.
Burt presented his final weather segment on Saturday and took aim at the network during his sign off.
‘If I’d had the opportunity I wouldn’t have wanted to go this way. It’s what happens when you get sacked,’ he said at the end of the 6pm news.
The bulletin then awkwardly cut to a montage of Paul presenting segments over the years.
He has worked for Ten, Nine and Seven during his lengthy media career.
There has been a cost-cutting bloodbath at Seven as the network’s news division comes under new management.
Three major names to go at the network recently include veterans Robert Ovadia, Andrew Frampton and seasoned Melbourne crime reporter Cameron Baud, who is known among friends as the ‘Harvester of Sorrow’ due to his grim news beat.
On the Sydney front, Ovadia – perhaps the most high profile of all the figures axed up until Ghidella’s – has announced he will take Seven to the Fair Work Commission for unfair dismissal.
Daily Mail Australia revealed Ovadia allegedly sent a series of strange, doctored images to a young female reporter before he was dumped.
Burt presented his final weather segment on Saturday and took aim at the network during his sign off
