TV3 presenter in shock departure
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Morning television presenter James Coleman has announced he is leaving TV3's breakfast show Sunrise in a shock departure, effective immediately.
Coleman, a former radio DJ, has been a co-presenter on the show alongside Carly Flynn since it began in October, 2007.
"I've been with the show for a year now and I feel that it's an appropriate time to pursue some exciting new opportunities that have arisen within MediaWorks, both in radio and television," Coleman said in a statement.
This morning was Coleman's last appearance on the show.
His position will be filled by Ali Ikram until a replacement is announced "in the coming weeks".
Sunrise has struggled in the ratings against its competitor, TV One's Breakfast, with viewer numbers hovering around the 20,000-30,000 mark.
Breakfast regularly gets around 140,000 viewers a day.
The NZ Herald reported in August Sunrise was "fine-tuning" some aspects of the show, and C4 programming head Andrew Szusterman was involved.
Media commentator Martin Gilman told the Herald the ratings were "almost getting rigor mortis" and it was time for drastic action.
"They either let it die, or they evolve it into something else, because they can't really continue it as it stands. It must be haemorrhaging money.
"It must be a priority for them to address that and bring people in."
* Who do you think should replace James Coleman? Post your comments below.
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As a loyal Breakerfaster I turned to Sunrise when Breakfast was on its extended summer break. But Sunrise too was not there for the masses that have to return to work before the end of January. A real missed opportunity to snare some viewers from the dominant player. Consequently, I've never seen Sunrise.
Tyne Siebert or Michaela Brown
Look TV3's obviously gonna be in a bit of flap over this one. I'm willing to step up and help them out by hosting the show for them. They treated me pretty well the last time I worked for them, I'm sure it's still a great place to work? I might even consider leaving my Classic Hits breakfast post to do them a favour. On ya! Craig
Tamiti should be more on camera. Replace Paul Henry or James with him
Quite frankly, both Karly Flynn and James Coleman were wrong - James does has a sense of humor but Karly obviously couldn't work with it - when the four are on camera together it reminds me of that awful cheese ad where these so called trendy thirty somethings tinkle on endlessly laughing inanely at nothing. It comes down to content direction, whoever thinks that the New Zealand audience is really interested in fine wines, cheeses and fashion at around 7 in the morning needs to go into the homes of those who are actually watching the program....so no presenters would be able to make a go of Sunrise as there was never anything meaty enough to work with. James should reappear at night for a male audience - mayhap a replacement for the so called personality Marc Ellis - I am heartily sick of watching the same Julie Cristie family members appearing endlessly.
#12 Haha that's hilarious. Gold.
Its a great show Sunrise. Its also badly needed, and TV3 cannot afford to have it fail. I would go so far as to say its got a fantastic line up, and James will be missed. At least its a show that does not revolve around Paul Henrys ego! Sunrise rocks! One thing that does bother me is the long break it took around xmas new years time last year. Breakfast started up sooner, Sunrise later. In Australia & USA - even the UK have breakfast shows through these periods and other Journalists get a shot at presenting with the Main anchors being on holiday.
I just hope Sunrise is pushed more by TV3 and we all have a choice in NZ early morning TV! Long live Sunrise!
Parakura Horomia - Imagine enjoying your morning cereal and toast with that beefcake in front of you. And just imagine the introduction of an aerobics segment - beautiful.
they need to loose the cold looking set...those glass desks look horrible and so 1990s
i'd leave too if I had to work in that studio...the new look is just cold and clinical looking...
and whats with Campbell and that touch screen at the start of his show...I know TV3 lost the Qantas award but...you guys are trying too hard...loose the gimics...
Where did you lose your virginity?
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How do you feel about Sunrise being axed?
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Pippa has grace and is a natural in front of the camera, why are there so many haters out there??......You cant hate her for being pretty, intelligent, and funny.........