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Weatherman signs off final broadcast with major rant after being sacked

Weatherman signs off final broadcast with major rant after being sacked

Back in 2022, he famously helped save a child's life while on air

A weatherman making his final broadcast after years on the job made sure everyone knew it was not how he wanted to bow out.

Australian presenter Paul Burt had been told he was leaving his job and on Sunday (28 July) signed off with a memorable final message.

He started his final forecast by saying 'let’s get straight into it everyone because it’s your Sunday and not me', but he wasn't going to go without a tribute.

Newsreader Samantha Heathwood gave him her thanks for all the work he'd done for Channel 7 over the years and took the time to thank all his viewers for their 'trust, loyalty and support'.

"If I had the opportunity I wouldn't have wanted to go this way, that's what happens when you get sacked." (7News)
"If I had the opportunity I wouldn't have wanted to go this way, that's what happens when you get sacked." (7News)

He delivered a speech 'straight from the cuff' and said he was grateful for people 'allowing me into your living rooms for the past 28 years across all networks'.

However, he certainly wasn't done by any means as he said: "I want to thank my family, I love you guys for supporting me.

"And of course, hey, we're going to roll into a bit of a package now.

"If I had the opportunity I wouldn't have wanted to go this way, that's what happens when you get sacked."

Burt then signed off his broadcast with a nod, having left viewers in no doubt that he'd wanted things to go down differently and it wasn't his choice to be leaving.

According to news.com.au, the weatherman was told he was going to be sacked several weeks ago in a round of redundancies, saying that the network he'd worked for since 2013 gave him 55 seconds to say goodbye.

He said: "I really don’t understand it, why people are being treated this way.

"It was a shock, I was told to come in and have a meeting, which I did, and I was told my contract was not being renewed.

"It was rather embarrassing for my wife and children. They found out before I could even tell them. Obviously, things get leaked.

"Some of the decisions made lately are quite harsh. I’ve lost a lot of friends who have been made redundant or got the sack."

Earlier in his career, Burt had run off from presenting after noticing that a young boy had got into trouble in the water.

A couple of years ago he famously ran off his broadcast to help save a child who was stuck in the water. (7News)
A couple of years ago he famously ran off his broadcast to help save a child who was stuck in the water. (7News)

During an incident in May 2022, he dashed away from presenting his segment to join in with a rescue effort for the child.

He had been talking about the dangers of beach gutters, which can lure people into dangerous riptides, when the child had become stuck in exactly what he'd been talking about.

Fortunately, the boy survived his life-threatening experience and Burt returned to the camera in his now sodden clothes to update viewers on the situation.

Featured Image Credit: Channel 7

Topics: Australia, TV