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Paul Bongiorno takes redundancy from TEN

Paul Bongiorno has taken a voluntary redundancy from TEN after 35 years at the network.

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Hamish McLennan Paul Bongiorno .jpgVeteran political journalist Paul Bongiorno has taken a voluntary redundancy from TEN after 35 years at the network.

But ‘Bonge,’ who turns 70 in September, will return for special reports, major political events or commentary roles.

“In this extremely difficult times for TEN News, I’m happy to retain my association with the network and the TEN bureau and I will be seen again on Channel TEN,” he told The Australian.

Bongiorno has been in a part-time role as TEN’s National Affairs Editor and had maintained a mentoring role at the network.

“Obviously I have scaled back my presence on TEN. But I have a pretty flexible arrangement which is 2-3 days a week,” he told TV Tonight last year.

“It allows me to do other things. I’m now a regular on RN Breakfast (ABC Radio) on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I do other radio and I’ve accepted more speaking engagements. When you’re the daily news hack you just haven’t got the time to do it.

“I’m grateful that TEN sees a mentoring role for me, and is happy to have me continue playing a role both on and off the screen.”

Last year celebrating his 25 years in the Canberra Press Gallery, TEN CEO Hamish McLennan said, “Above all, he is a great storyteller. We are privileged to have had him as part of the TEN News team for more than 30 years and want him to stick around for another 30.”

13 Responses

  1. What a shame. Paul is one of the best in the business. That said, what Paul and TEN call “taking a redundancy” is just corporate speak for “taking a pay cut” seeing as Paul will do the occasional story for the network. Anyone who has taken a redundancy will know that the T’s and C’s of the package is that the company can’t re-hire you within a two year period. Clearly a special case has been made in order for Ten to save money whilst not losing Bongiorno to another network completely.

  5. Who could forget Paul’s memorable stories, the exclusives and the razor sharp political insight. A legend departs the political reportage stage and all Australians will be poorer for it. We salute the legend, the titan who is Bong.

  6. One of the most admired and respected people in Canberra, it was a sheer pleasure to meet you in person. Enjoy your retirement.

    You will be surely missed.

    Just remember people all the other week beside the scenes Bong does as well, many of you don’t know he is a former Roman Catholic Priest.

    A true gentleman

    Cheers

  7. A great political commentator. Remember watching Paul’s reports back in the late 70’s on TVQ Channel 0 Brisbane during the height of the Bjelke Peterson era.

  8. I always listen to Paul Bongiorno’s comments on Radio National – I like what he has to say. I never watch Ch 10 news, so won’t notice any difference, but shall continue to listen to his comments on Radio National.

  9. Without a doubt, the best, fairest and most insightful political journalist on commercial TV. At least it’s not another loss to a rival network. Huge loss, but couldn’t see him continuing working in a news department that has been so badly decimated and which will very soon cease to have relevance or credibility. A shame. The end indeed.

  10. Without a doubt, the best, fairest and most insightful political journalist on commercial TV. At least it’s not another loss to a rival network. Huge loss, but couldn’t see him continuing working in a news department that has been so badly decimated and which will, surely, cease to have relevance or credibility within. A shame. The end indeed.

  12. My sentiments exactly: delicate_flower74.
    The day that one of the fixtures of a network leaves, it is extremely telling. Although, i am pleased somebody gets a good sendoff from Ten. Drinks on Bongiorno! That will be a big big payout.

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