Press Release
Network Ten today announced Mal Walden has decided to step down as senior TEN News Melbourne newsreader, effective from the end of this year.
Mal is one of the most respected newsreaders and journalists in Australia and has been a constant presence on Melbourne television for 40 consecutive years. “I’ve had a wonderful journey which began more than 53 years ago, including the past 40 years on Melbourne television,” Mal said. “Few people in this industry could ever have enjoyed the support that Network Ten has offered me over the past 25 years. “Fewer still in television get the chance to choose their day of departure and I appreciate Network Ten’s support,” he said.
Mal will continue to present TEN News Melbourne three days a week, from this week until December. Network Ten Chief Executive Officer, Hamish McLennan, said: “Mal’s decision is a sad day for Network Ten, but we are very grateful he has agreed to stay with us until the end of the year. “Mal is television news in Melbourne. For the past 25 years, he has brought the big news stories to TEN’s viewers with authority, integrity and passion. Simply saying ‘thank you’ is not enough, but thank you Mal. Everyone at Network Ten and all our viewers will miss you and wish you the very best.”
Network Ten Head of News and Current Affairs, Anthony Flannery, said: “Mal Walden is the newsreader's newsreader. “Not only is he a legend of the business and an absolute professional, he’s a top bloke. “I feel lucky to have had the opportunity to work with Mal. He is 100% class,” Anthony said.
Network Ten Director of News, Melbourne, Dermot O’Brien, said: “It has been a privilege to work with Mal Walden for so many years. We are both professional colleagues and good friends. “Mal is truly one of the great newsreaders of the Australian television industry and is
universally respected by both current and former television professionals. A genuinely nice guy both on and off the screen, Mal’s warmth and honesty has engendered a tremendous long-term connection with audiences,” Dermot said.
Mal added: “On a personal note, I wish to thank Dermot for his continued leadership and friendship over the dozens of years we have worked together.
“The fact that our Melbourne news service has been so successful is a legacy we can both be proud of.”