Former Seven National News reporter and presenter Malcolm Gray has died at the age of 66.
Formerly a journalist at regional station GLV10 in Gippsland in the 1970s, Gray moved to Melbourne’s ATV0 before joining HSV7 as an on-the-road reporter and newsreader – but it was in the mid-‘80s when he started presenting the weather forecast for Seven National News that he suddenly became a hit with viewers statewide. Gray’s presenting of the weather with humour, where he was not immune to using the occasional large prop or shouting out greetings to nominated streets in various Victorian towns and suburbs, was in stark contrast to the more conservative weather presentation of rivals at National Nine News and Eyewitness News.
Gray continued to present the weather at Seven National News until 1987.
The Seven News team in Melbourne have placed a notice in the Herald Sun offering a tribute to their former colleague:
Our thoughts and support to the family of Malcolm Gray, a former colleague and friend of the Seven Network. Malcolm was a much loved and respected associate and will long be remembered for his great nature and memorable weather segments. Sincerely – Steve Carey and the 7 Melbourne News Team.
Source: Herald Sun
Hello.
I was just wondering “when in 1987” did this weather person leave?
Thank you.
And it was really great how you had the Herald-Sun tribute site there.
Hello, Adelaide. I believe Malcolm was 'relieved' of his duties not long after Mal Walden was sacked as newsreader in March 1987, as part of the revamp by the new management when Fairfax took over the station. The public backlash from the upheaval saw the news ratings fall to zero.
Really appreciate that.
March 1987: in that case I have no memory.
Some people might have switched over to the ABC and Edwin Maher, who was also a prominent weather person.
Fairfax took over Seven? When I was watching a sports film called Electrifying Eighties, there was a quote:
“Seven's back in action…”
I certainly remember Edwin Maher. Very popular ABC presenter. I seem to recall he had viewers send in pointers for him to use when presenting the weather. He got quite a collection apparently!
p.s. Adelaide, there is more detail on the Fairfax takeover of HSV7 at this article.