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‘Mr Telethon’ farewells Perth viewers

After 40 years on television, Perth's 'Mr. Telethon' Jeff Newman signed off from Seven News Perth last night.

newmanAfter 40 years on television, Perth’s ‘Mr. Telethon‘ Jeff Newman signed off from Seven News Perth last night.

Newman, who has been with TVW Seven News since 1982, was farewelled in an extended segment that looked back on his career and included the well wishes of his colleagues.

“I’ve always believed that it’s been a pleasure coming to work, and it has been these last few years, the many years that we’ve had presenting the news together. It’s been absolutely marvellous, you’ve all been wonderful colleagues,” he said.

For the last eight Newman has been the channel’s weather presenter. He is also associated with It’s Academic (1969 – 1979 / 2001 – 2005) and Telethon which he has anchored for 32 years.

Newman introduced his replacement, Perth girl Natalia Cooper who was on video link in London.

He told viewers, “I’d like to say thankyou to all the people of Perth, for allowing me to come into your lounge room every night and say hello to you.”

“It’s been a wonderful career that I’ve been very proud of, and I know that I’m going to miss a lot of you. Drive carefully, and for the final time, goodbye, god bless and keep watching Channel Seven.”

7 Responses

  1. Newman has been the weather presenter for 18 years – not 8. He accepted the role of weather presenter in 1991. The TVW website is a little out of date with regards to the number of years people have been with them.

  2. Stan: At least Jeff got to hand over to his successor.

    I have seen the Newman farewell on Youtube, and it was done the right way, where as Bruce Paige’s farewell in June was too rushed, including no formal on-air handover to Andrew Lofthouse…

  3. You’re right, Frantelle!

    Natalia Cooper has to be one of the luckiest women on Australian television. I assume it has nothing to do with her looks… 😉

  4. All the best to Jeff, he has been a superb presenter and TV personality, particularly on the Telethon front.

    Natalia Cooper did a good job of the weather and news on 9/WIN until she left last year, so looking forward to seeing her on 7. She’s certainly had her cake and eaten it. Trained and groomed by WIN/9 only to give up a choice gig to go travelling, and now coming home to Perth to pick up a similar role, but on the top rating news in town. Good luck to her.

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