Chris Bath’s farewell from her long-held position behind the desk at Channel Seven was in likeness to her own style of journalism – simple, to the point, no fuss.
The programme ran as it usually did, Bath led 120 minutes of news in her distinctive candid way, without frills. The only change accompanied the end of the programme, where Chris took the opportunity to thank her supporters and fans.
“I am definitely going to miss my wonderful and talented colleagues back at Sunday Night HQ, the crews, the journalists, producers, editors and support staff who tell stories with passion and integrity like no other program on the telly,” said Chris.
“Sharing their reports with you has been a huge privilege and a great joy. Mel Doyle will be stepping into this role and I assure you, you will be in very good hands,” she said, “On a personal note, I can’t thank you enough for welcoming me into your homes and for making me a part of your Sunday night for so many years.”
“Thank you for watching from the bottom of my heart.”
Chris recently spoke out about her decision to step down in a statement.
“This has been a very big decision,” Chris said in a statement. “I’m very grateful for the past wonderful 20 years at Seven.”
“I want to thank the Network for giving me the chance to enjoy every broadcast journalism experience. I’ve loved it all, worked with some amazing people and made lifelong friends at Seven.”
“It has been a tough decision to leave, but years ago I left a great job in regional television because I didn’t want to say ‘What if?’ about life, and I feel with all that experience on board now, the time is right again to explore new horizons.”
Newswatchers and newsreaders alike tweeted out their farewells to Chris, using the hashtag #Bathiefinale, including no less than two Home & Away stars, a footballer and the Prime Minister of Australia.
And although we might not measure up to the likes of them, allow us to add our own farewell: we wish Chris all the best. She will be missed.
