Weatherman’s brutal last words after sacking

Weatherman Paul Burt refused to hold back as he bid farewell to Channel 7 viewers after being one of many journalists axed by the network.

Burt has worked in media for more than three decades but was told to go several weeks ago as the network cut staff around the country in its latest round of redundancies.

“It is my last weather for the network tonight, let’s get straight into it everyone because it’s your Sunday and not me,” he said.

Newsreader Samantha Heathwood thanked “Burtie” for his hard work over the last decade and a bit, wishing him well on his new chapter.

“If I’d had the opportunity I wouldn’t have wanted to go this way; it’s what happens when you get sacked,” Burt told viewers at the end of his weather report on the 6pm news.

He told News Corp he was given 55 seconds to say his goodbyes after being with the network since 2013.

“I really don’t understand it, why people are being treated this way,” he said.

“It was a shock, I was told to come in and have a meeting, which I did, and I was told my contract was not being renewed.

“It was rather embarrassing for my wife and children. They found out before I could even tell them. Obviously, things get leaked.

“Some of the decisions made lately are quite harsh. I’ve lost a lot of friends who have been made redundant or got the sack.”

Burt was told about his redundancy in a one-on-one meeting unlike fellow Channel 7 newsreader Sharyn Ghidella, who was told during a phone call while she was at the hairdressers.

Ghidella took to social media when she received her “tap on the shoulder” after 38 years working in television.

“I will no longer be presenting the news for Seven News Queensland,” she said.

“As you can imagine, it’s been a bit to process, particularly given I’ve been at the network for 17 years … and the people that work there, I consider my friends.”

Ghidella said while she was saddened by the decision she was also relieved as her final weeks with the network had been a “miserable affair”, as talented colleagues were shown the door.

“In what seems to have been an interminable process of pulling the Band-Aid off slowly when it comes to removing what’s been deemed excess stock from the building,” she added.

“These people are some of the best ‘content creators’ in the business (well, we are digital first now). They are good people and it’s been heartbreaking to watch.

“I’ve seen the toll it’s taken on those who’ve left, those delivering the pain and those still there, and when it comes to witnessing this heartache, I think I’m done.

“I’m also not one to have my evening news served up with humour and horoscopes either, so, to be honest, it is time to go.”

Earlier this month, the network started featuring horoscopes during its news broadcasts that are screened after the weather.

Seven West director of news Anthony De Ceglie told News Corp that Seven was not afraid to innovate and was just getting started.

“One thing that will never change is our absolute commitment to telling the stories that matter to our viewers,” he said.