Bruce is back - with Melissa
Submitted by debritz on November 27, 2008 - 19:33.
Channel 9 Brisbane has issued another press release, announcing Melissa Downes will present the 6p-m news with Bruce Paige in 2009. The release follows - note the nice words from Paige and Heather Foord about Downes, and the interesting fact that Andrew Lofthouse is not mentioned (but the need to find a replacement for Downes on the weekends is). Am I a drama queen, or am I right to expect another twist in the tale?
Nine Queensland is pleased to announce the appointment of Melissa Downes to the weeknight News desk.
Melissa has been Channel Nine Queensland’s weekend news presenter for the past two years and has established herself as one of Queensland leading news presenters.
Since joining Channel Nine Queensland in December 2001, Melissa has proven her versatility by reporting and hosting a raft of local programs.
On promoting his Weekend Newsreader, Lee Anderson said “Melissa is a committed journalist and wonderful presenter. Her work on Nine News weekends, EXTRA and on location for the Newsroom has endeared her to viewers and team members alike. It was a pleasure to promote Melissa to the 6pm News alongside veteran presenter Bruce Paige. It will be a new look Nine in 2009.”
Downes said “Being asked to step into Heather’s position is incredibly exciting. Heather has been a wonderful mentor and friend to me, and I am thrilled to have her blessing. It’s a real privilege to be offered this job, and I can’t wait to join Paigey each night as we present News for Nine.
Of his new on-air partner, Bruce Paige said “I have known Melissa for many years and watched her flourish into a great journalist and a professional presenter. Whilst I will lose my long time presenting partner Heather, I look forward to sharing the News desk with Melissa next year.
Heather said of her replacement “Melissa is a sheer delight both personally and professionally. I am so excited that she is taking over – she is not only talented, but most importantly – compassionate. I am leaving the News Desk in safe hands.”
Melissa Downes will join Bruce Paige at the News desk in the New Year. A replacement for Melissa’s weekend position will be announced in the coming weeks.
You are right to expect
You are right to expect another twist Brett. I would not be surprised if Melissa's move was to allow a new weekend reader alongside Lofthouse. Remember the ABC's statement from 9?
"Lofthouse will be co-presenting the Weekend News Bulletins, further signalling Nine’s commitment to local broadcasting."
This also confirms Paige's status with the network, being that he renewed his deal for a (thankfully) undisclosed period.
Prediction for weekend reader with Lofthouse: Jillian Whiting, with either Rob Readings or a returning Rick Burnett hosting Extra in 2009.
OK, I may as well be the
OK, I may as well be the one to say it: will Extra return? I'm a big fan of the show, but times are tight ...
Extra getting the
Extra getting the chop...
Pros.
Consistant programming for 9 network-wide.
Costs are successfully cut.
Cons.
Contradicts statement on Lofthouse press release, "...further signalling Nine’s commitment to local broadcasting."
Seven will not be able to fill the gap.
There will be a outcry from Brisbane viewers which could be a bad omen for Downes moving to weeknights.
Both 7 and 9's bulletins might be boycotted by enraged viewers.
But I would think Nine would think about the cons in case Extra is shafted...
In closing, a friend sent me this after they found out about Foord's decision.
"Not too surprised, QTQ news of the 90's and 00's is Bruce Paige - and whatever female co-host (he's had a few remember).
Heather's always had huge time off with the birth of her children (longer than usual) and it's truly a case of her saying enough's enough, not even the lure of more $$$$ will keep her this time.
It goes to show that 9 do begin contract renegotiations 12 mths or so out."
As somebody who has been
As somebody who has been through the closure of a few media "icons" - including the Sunday Sun newspaper - I can safely say that you are overestimating the public's potential response to the axing of Extra. If it happens - and I hope it doesn't - there'll be a lot of noise for a little while, and then everybody will forget all about it.
You were right to expect a
You were right to expect a twist in the tale... What's next, Foord hosting Extra? More here - http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,20797,24725128-3102,00.html?f...
The story doesn't
The story doesn't actually commit to Extra returning, I note. In fact, Lee Anderson doesn't really commit to anything.
I was watching last night at
I was watching last night at the end of the bulletin when Heather announced that Melissa would be taking over, and Bruce's reaction was VERY awkard, he mumbled a few things disjointedly. Who knows what he said. Was bizarre. What is with that man?
Worried about Nine's
Worried about Nine's plans for Andrew Lofthouse, perhaps?
If Paige reads this blog
If Paige reads this blog (probably Brett, who knows what Paigey does between updates...), and found out that Lofthouse could be aiming for his spot, then he would be worried sick.
Is it me Brett, or am I
Is it me Brett, or am I expecting another Friday night press release from Nine? This afternoon the end of Extra felt like a funeral feeling with Jillian saying "Thank you for making our 17th year enjoyable" in a softer tone than usual...
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