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David Brown departs Seven News Sydney

"I do need actually, to take some time off," says Sydney weather presenter as he rejoins family in Melbourne.

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Respected Seven News meteorologist David Brown has departed the Sydney bulletin to rejoin family in Melbourne, following state border restrictions.

In a sign-off last night he told Mark Ferguson & Mel McLaughlin, “I love everything I do Fergo, as you know. It’s been an absolute privilege. But I do need actually, to take some time off.”

In a note to staff Seven News Sydney director Jason Morrison said, “We have been looking at various technical ways and means to keep him on air during these continuing border frustrations, but family commitments down south have made being there important.

“David has been with us in Sydney for 5 years after two decades on the air in Melbourne.

“His contribution to our bulletins has been enormous. Even this year, he’s been working 6 days a week to help-out while Angie was on leave.

“Nobody knows the weather like Brownie. He’s given our News a real edge.

“David … on behalf of everyone at 7 Martin Place, have a great break and Christmas … and thank you for the impact you’ve had on-air and behind the scenes. Your expertise and decency is unmatched.”

Seven sources confirm Brown remains with the Seven network while Angie Asimus & Sally Bowrey will now share weather duties.

17 Responses

  1. My tuppence worth…
    First, to correct a few people – ‘Brownie’ was not ‘dumped’ from 7 Melbourne for Jane Bunn a few years ago (when he effectively transferred to 7 Sydney) – they made a change to Giaan Rooney and also tried Jo Silvagni around this time. I think it’s fair to say neither really worked; also neither were meteorologists which may or may not have been significant.
    Jane Bunn has been in the main 7 Melbourne weather role since late 2014 and is seen by most as both respected for her weather knowledge – multiple degrees in meteorology and has worked on several networks including Prime, Weather Channel, ABC as well as now 7 News – and an engaging, popular presenter. It may also be noted that the ratings differential between 7 and 9 in Melbourne has increasingly narrowed over the time she’s been with 7 Melbourne.

    1. Granted David Brown may not have been ‘dumped’ in Melbourne for Jane Bunn, but he was definitely ‘dumped’ from the Melbourne 6pm bulletin in preference for a female presenter.

      David Brown was presenting the National weather from Melbourne for the 4.30pm bulletin which emanated from Martin Place Sydney. And he did this while other presenters were given his main Melbourne gig at 6pm (whether that be Jo, Giaan or Jane). It was thought that Seven’s Melbourne news needed a female weekday presence – whether that be instead of Peter Mitchell, Sandy Roberts and David Brown or Peter Mitchell, Tim Watson and David Brown. It was actually a sad time for Brownie and full credit to him for sticking it out in Melbourne during the 2014/2015 transition period. Many wouldn’t have. He’s a real trooper.

  2. I don’t understand why he can’t do the weather from Melbourne, they could make it look like he is still in Sydney. Just remove the wide studio shot of David presenting the weather with Fergo and Mel at the main desk.
    I guess Channel 7 would have paid for him to fly back to Melbourne most weekends and that isn’t possible due to Coronavirus.

  3. I liked him and Ann Sanders on 7, 4PM news….I cannot deal with 10 news and the weather guy..(Not national meteorologist)….I have tried a few times again….I just get annoyed when he comes on 😡….he is not Tim.

  4. Wish David Brown would return to Melbourne and return some credibility to Seven’s Melbourne weather. The current hostess sings us the weather and I’d rather be sick.

  7. I to this day, have been angry that Brownie was dumped from 7 News Melbourne, with some rubbish line about being the leading meteorologist and moving to 4.30 news. Was all guff just to bring Jane in. I’ve since warmed to Jane, but never understood when she started the mentioning that she’s a meteorologist, even though David was too.
    I was just a sad time, losing Brownie and Sandy at a similar time.

    1. I don’t think Jane replaced David. Wasn’t it Gian Rooney? I’m sure she has stated she received hate mail during her time presenting. Will certainly miss Browny on 7news in Sydney

  8. Pity Melbourne don’t get him back for weather. I still don’t know why they ever replaced him with Jane Bunn, I’ve haven’t watched Seven Melbourne News since he was replaced

    1. MarkZ, incorrect. I watch the 6pm news on Seven News Sydney, and at the end of his piece, David Brown walks over to Mark Ferguson & Mel McLaughlin and converses with them. The loss of Brownie is going to be felt.

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