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SKY News fires Chris Smith

Chris Smith's contract is terminated "as a result of inappropriate behaviour that is in breach of his contract and company policy.”

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SKY News presenter Chris Smith has been fired by the broadcaster effective immediately.

SKY News Australia CEO Paul Whittaker said in a statement that Smith’s contract has been terminated due to allegations of “serious misconduct”.

“Following an investigation into allegations of serious misconduct, we have today advised Chris Smith that his contract with SKY News Australia has been terminated as a result of inappropriate behaviour that is in breach of his contract and company policy”, Mr Whittaker said.

“We continue to offer support to affected staff members whose welfare remains our primary concern”.

He was also sacked earlier by 2GB having been suspended before he was due to take over from Ben Fordham.

Nine Radio’s managing director Tom Malone said the company would support Smith, but had terminated his services.

Guardian Australia reported Nine’s managing director of radio, Tom Malone, said: “Chris’s behaviour represents a serious breach of his contract and is not aligned with the values of 2GB.”

Colleagues at SKY News, Rita Panahi and Andrew Bolt, had also called for his exit from the network, while Laura Jayes agreed with their comments adding “Good riddance” in social media.

Smith was reportedly with other employees at The Establishment in Sydney. He reportedly joined colleagues at The Ivy Sunroom at midday on Saturday for the formal event before going on to The Establishment. After concerns about his behaviour were raised with senior executives, he was stood down immediately.

“I am beyond gutted and devastated to know I have upset my colleagues after our Christmas party,” Smith this week told The Daily Telegraph.

“I apologise profusely to the women I upset. That’s not the man I am at work, ever, as they will all attest. They have been so supportive to me and do not deserve such drunken treatment.”

Smith has previously been surrounded by headlines following behaviour at work functions for 2GB in 2009, which he later blamed on drinking and taking “the wrong antidepressants” and A Current Affair in the late 1990s.

Chris Smith Tonight was due to be given a regular spot on SKY News next year in the 5pm slot.