Mal Walden marks 50 years in the biz
The phenomenal Mal Walden yesterday celebrated 50 years in the media.
- Published by David Knox
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Admired news presenter Mal Walden yesterday celebrated 50 years in the media.
The TEN News at Five presenter began in radio at Warnambool, then a stint at Tasmania’s 7EX and Channel Nine.
After joining radio station 3DB, he moved to television to sister station HSV-7 in early 1970 as a reporter.
In 1979, he took over the role of Chief News Presenter at HSV-7, replacing Brian Naylor who had moved to rival GTV-9.
But it is at TEN where Walden has become a viewer favourite,even beyond his broadcast city of Melbourne. His ability to comment and improvise on the news, while still keeping a straight face, has led to many amusing on-air moments that have found their way onto YouTube.
One of his most popular was in tackling the word “phenomenon.”
During an on-air tribute yesterday he said, “I’ll continue doing it until I get it right, I suppose.”
We wouldn’t have it any other way, Mal.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-e-yxGSFNk[/youtube]
Source: Fairfax
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- Tagged with Ten News at Five
20 Responses
I know usually you don’t post links, but this a good story to explain how Melburnians regard Mal Walden. youtube.com/watch?v=7H_GriZNc34 Congratulations Mal, from NSW. And for those who don’t him, similar to how Victorians would have no idea who Ross Symonds was….
I live in NSW and I know who Mal Walden is. Congratulations BTW.
Kenny: see below for those who do know Mal Walden outside Melb. As for Brian Naylor, did NSW not watch Carols by Candlelight for 10 years before Ray Martin?
I asked 10 people in NSW. All responded “who?”. Never heard of him. Brian Naylor was unknown by 99.9% of NSW too.
Well I’m from Perth and *I’ve* heard of him 🙂 So yes, familiar beyond Melbourne.
Love the weather report he did too!
Mal Walden = Legend
Reads news with authority,,humility and clarify
Never afraid to have his say about a’stupid story’ and the best credit I can give him is
‘Love his impromptu weather presenting’
Mal knows Mebourne well.
I know Mal Walden and I live in Qld (& always have), so doubt ye no more.
When ever Mal is cited in a storyline, the mojority of comments are positive. I hope that he is that positive in real life instead some fake. Because their are some people in the media industry who tend to fake it on camera and then show “their true colours” of camera.
Congrats Mal Walden on making 50 years, you are Melbourne’s best news reader. Thank-you for all your hard work.
Do we have the footage of Mal on the Phone during the Live news?
If you’re big in Melbourne then or course you are big around the entire nation…. just ask any Melbournian.
For starters Mr Do-Bee, everyone in Tassie knows him because they get Melbourne’s bulletin at 5pm.
Bit of a pity his employer does not, actually, cover news.
Who? 50 years though. Nice amount of time with your snout in the media trough working 15-20 hours a week. Sigh …. Yes I am envious that someone gets paid to read someone else’s words.
I’ve never heard of him.
Exactly, Mr. Do-Bee: Who???
top bloke. missed him when i moved to Canberra. Wish you many more broadcast years Mel.. however if he is celebrating 50 years – how old does this make him?
Great newsreader and a great bloke
Familiar beyond Melbourne? I doubt that very much.
Congratulations Mal, you legend 🙂
Bit of a shame that in their transition between HD formats, YouTube somehow managed to drop that clip down first to 480p, and now to 360p. I’ve still got the original 1080i source file here, and I think I might upload it again as a 50th anniversary tribute 😀