Seven has denied they have axed one of their top executives, Michael Pell, who led Sunrise to the top of the breakfast TV ratings.
It comes after the Australian Financial Review claimed two sources at Seven confirmed Pell was ‘fired’ from the network as management attempts to cut $60million in costs.
Pell, 40, was promoted by Seven to a ‘talent scout’ role based in Los Angeles when he left Brekkie Central in 2022 after 11 years.
His social media still lists his job title as ‘Senior Vice President, Entertainment Content, North America’.
Pell, considered one of Seven’s most valuable assets, left his job as executive producer at Sunrise in April, 2022.
Seven has denied they have axed one of their top executives, Michael Pell, who led Sunrise to the top of the breakfast TV ratings
He then took up a new position with the network in LA as a ‘talent scout’ aiming to source new formats.
Pell oversaw an extraordinarily successful period for Sunrise – Australia’s No. 1 breakfast show – since replacing Adam Boland as EP in 2010.
He is credited with helping the program, then anchored by Natalie Barr and David Koch, extend its lead against arch-rival, Nine’s Today show.
For his last day at Sunrise, almost exactly two years ago, hosts Natalie Barr and David ‘Kochie’ Koch bid an emotional farewell to the much-admired executive.
Pell, 40, was promoted by the network to a ‘talent scout’ role based in Los Angeles after leaving Brekkie Central after 11-years in 2022. Pictured: Sunrise hosts Natalie Barr and Matt ‘Shirvo’ Shrvington
Pell oversaw an extraordinarily successful period for Sunrise – Australia’s No. 1 breakfast show – since replacing Adam Boland as EP in 2010. Pictured: Pell with former Sunrise hosts Sam Armytage (L) and David ‘Kochie’ Koch.
Pell did not appear on screen, despite having done so when he celebrated 10 years at the helm in November 2020, with Sunrise instead airing a photo slideshow.
Several behind-the-scenes photos were shown, including snaps of Pell schmoozing with A-list celebrities and posing with the presenters at Brekky Central.
It comes after TV Tonight reported that Sean Power was announced as executive producer of Sunrise last November, while Sarah Stinson remains Director of Morning Television.
Pell is credited with helping Sunrise extend its lead against arch-rival, Nine’s Today show. Seven management has not confirmed the report and Pell’s social media lists his network job title: ‘Senior Vice President, Entertainment Content, North America’.
