Ray Martin quits Nine

Ray Martin has quit Channel Nine.

Martin’s departure follows a string of public venting from the Logie winning host in which he threatened to leave the network, then stayed, then bemoaned not having his own show, and finally disapproved of the 7:30am start time for Sunday.

The show is due to resume this weekend.

“I’ve spent half my life working for Kerry and James Packer and absolutely loved it,” Martin said. “It’s time to walk down a few other roads and take a few risks again – in and out of television. I’m certainly not retiring.”

Martin has been with Nine for some 30 years, including 60 Minutes, A Current Affair, Carols by Candelight and Midday. He has interviewed a number of high profile celebrities including Margaret Thatcher, Madonna, Elton John, Tom Cruise and Robin Williams.

Martin has always been drawn upon by Nine for major events including the September 11 terrorist attacks, Asian tsunami and Federal and State Election nights.

“It seems I’ve just run out of programmes,” he said.

Nine CEO David Gyngell said, “I have the utmost respect for Ray and count him as a friend so we have reached this decision totally amicably. Ray Martin has made an enormous contribution at Nine, and indeed to public broadcasting in this country. His legacy is there for all to see. There’s almost nothing he hasn’t done here with his trademark style and great quality. But it’s time for a change for him, and now for us.”

Footnote: The Sydney Morning Herald in reporting the story quoted a source saying, “Martin has been a great frontman to the Nine Network but, except for Carols in the Domain, he doesn’t really have a major function now.”

Ooops. Ray hosted Carols by Candlelight in Melbourne.

Press Release:

The Nine Network’s Senior Correspondent, Ray Martin, today announced his resignation, after 30 extraordinary years.

“I’ve spent half my life working for Kerry and James Packer and absolutely loved it,” Martin said. “It’s time to walk down a few other roads and take a few risks again – in and out of television. I’m certainly not retiring.”

The Nine Network’s Chief Executive Officer David Gyngell said he and Ray Martin had agreed now was a propitious time to take this step as Ray was looking to new challenges.

“I have the utmost respect for Ray and count him as a friend so we have reached this decision totally amicably. Ray Martin has made an enormous contribution at Nine, and indeed to public broadcasting in this country. His legacy is there for all to see. There’s almost nothing he hasn’t done here with his trademark style and great quality. But it’s time for a change for him, and now for us,” Gyngell said.

A five time Gold Logie winner – with over twenty Silver Logies – Ray Martin joined Nine in 1978 as one of the original 60 Minutes reporters, along with George Negus and Ian Leslie.

Since then he has hosted a cavalcade of top-rating network shows including Midday, A Current Affair, Carols by Candlelight, The Commonwealth Games, The Great Debates, The Logies, dozens of election nights and countless network specials.

“It seems I’ve just run out of programmes,” Martin said.

Last year Ray joined Ellen Fanning as the co-host of Sunday, calling it “one of the real joys of my journalistic life.”

“Nine has given me the chance to go to some amazing places, meet a lot of famous people, and tell some yarns that make you laugh and make you cry, ” Martin said.

“Still, I have to say,” Martin added, “the greatest privilege – and most fun – has been working with the best television people in the business. I’ll miss them.”

After more than ten thousand interviews for the Nine Network, Martin listed his exclusives with Terri Irwin, Lindy Chamberlain, Professor Fred Hollows and Sir Don Bradman amongst his favourites.

David Gyngell said he and all at the Nine Network fondly wished Ray every success with his new ventures in the future.

“That said both Ray and myself intend that the long, friendly and fruitful association between Nine and Ray Martin will be maintained.”