Sunrise farewells Melissa Doyle

Seven West Media Chairman Kerry Stokes and CEO Tim Worner both joined with the Sunrise cast and crew to farewell Melissa Doyle after 14 years, 11 of them alongside David Koch.

Seven has now confirmed her new roles, joining Matt White as hosts of a 4pm afternoon bulletin (starts August 19), and a new 7pm bulletin on 7TWO from Monday.

Kerry Stokes paid tribute to her early years and her future role.

“Mel you brought it to life. The network had a dream and you guys brought it to life for the viewers, you created what the viewers wanted to see in breakfast television. They love you, they love the programme and I can tell you from the boardroom down, everybody supports this programme and you in particular and the only thing that makes it good today is the fact that you’re leaving is good for the network because our commitment to news will see you in a new news brand on Seven at 7 from now on.”

Tim Worner thanked her for accepting a network offer to move to new roles.

“We’ve waited a long time to make the move. We’re very pleased that you agreed to do it, Mel. The way the ratings have been for Sunrise this week we’re going to lose one of you a week for the next few weeks!” he joked.

“You have changed breakfast television in Australia forever and you should be very proud of that. We certainly are, congratulations.”

Doyle thanked the network , David Koch and crew.

“As a working mum I’ve had nothing but support from everybody. From the very top to of the network right down to the people who have sat alongside me and it’s been the most extraordinary opportunity to have been involved in a programme such as Sunrise and we’ve had the best time ever and I’ve loved every second of it.

“I can’t wait for what’s ahead. I will miss every single person on the team but I will see you at other times of the day and I won’t have bags under my eyes!

“I never ever imagined the ride would come what it has become. Thankyou.”

Sunrise also included montage highlights including farewells from members of the crew, all of whom paid tribute to her warmth and off-camera personality.

From Monday Doyle fronts Seven News at 7 on 7TWO.

Network News Director Rob Raschke said in a statement: “There has never been a greater demand for news than there is now and Seven is determined to give Australians more choice. That’s why we’re investing in news.

“Our team is the best in the business. Our presenters are highly credentialed, experienced journalists, skilled at delivering news as it unfolds. These are exciting times.”

Also joining Seven’s Afternoon News team is meteorologist David Brown, sports presenter Jim Wilson, and network finance commentator Scott Pape, known as The Barefoot Investor.