Mal Walden: “It’s been a privilege.”

Mal Walden wrapped his 52 year broadcasting career yesterday, bowing out in style in an emotional TEN Eyewitness News bulletin.

He thanked family, past and present staff, TEN management

“But my greatest thanks go to you, the viewer. Without your support I would never have survived,” he said.

“It’s been an absolute privilege coming into your homes. A privilege I never once took for granted. I’ve reported the highs and lows of history-making headlines for over 52 years, 43 years on Melbourne television.

“So thank you Melbourne, thank you Victoria. For the final time, take care. Good night.”

And Mal, the feeling is mutual. It has been a privilege indeed…..

Crowd gathered in Syd newsroom watching feed of @MalWalden10 farewell speech. Hats off to you sir #byemal #legend

— Danielle Isdale (@DaniIsdale) December 4, 2013

 

Big night for Aussie TV that legend @MalWalden10 reads his last bulletin. We 1st met in the 7 newsroom 40 years ago.#byemal and have fun.

— Paul Bongiorno (@PaulBongiorno) December 4, 2013

 

@MalWalden10 a news legend. And a nice bloke. Enjoy retirement mate! #byemal

— max futcher (@MaxFutcher) December 4, 2013

 

What an incredible man! Will miss this smile everyday #byemal pic.twitter.com/CvM7IwttuG

An honour to say I worked with you @MalWalden – all the best for the next chapter.

— Brett Mcleod (@Brett_McLeod) December 4, 2013

 

Such a classy fairwell from @MalWalden10. You’ll be missed! #malwalden — Gemma Watts (@gemkwatts) December 4, 2013

— Jayde Vincent (@JaydeVincent) December 4, 2013

 

Veteran newsreader @MalWalden10 has signed off for the final time after 25 years in the @tennewsmelb chair. #byemal #9NEWSat6

— Nine News Melbourne (@9newsmelb) December 4, 2013

 

One of the gentlemen (some might argue the only gentleman) in the news business @MalWalden10 reading his last right now. #byemal

— hughriminton (@hughriminton) December 4, 2013

 

Congratulations to Mal Walden on a golden career. And sterling humor. #byemal

— Brendan Donohoe (@BrendanDonohoe7) December 4, 2013

 

The countdown begins to @MalWalden10 final hour. Please join me in wishing one of our industry’s finest gentlemen a fond farewell. #ByeMal

— Sandra Sully (@Sandra_Sully) December 4, 2013

 

I have grown up watching @MalWalden doing the news. Couldn’t help getting a little teary watching his goodbye.@channeltennews

I’ll never forget this interview….Mal Walden you will be missed!! #malwalden #lastday #triplem… http://t.co/IkAstkLuei

— Emma Notarfrancesco (@NotarfrancescoE) December 3, 2013

— Elana Monteleone (@ElanaMonteleone) December 4, 2013

 

Don’t miss @MalWalden10‘s last @tennewsmelb bulletin at 5pm today on @channelten / http://t.co/z1bjUSkHI3….#EyewitnessNews #MalWalden — Russel Howcroft (@howcroft) December 4, 2013

 

Mal Walden read the first TV news I saw when I came to Aus in 1981. Today he reads his last. That’s a good innings. #MalWalden

— Stan Lee (@BrandDNA) December 4, 2013