The ABC's new Melbourne Breakfast duo, Sharnelle Vella and Bob Murphy, have faced controversy after the former Bulldogs captain made a sleazy comment towards his co-host. During a discussion about odd jobs, Vella mentioned working in retail while in high school, and Murphy interjected with a remark about Spearmint Rhino, a well-known Melbourne strip club. The comment was met with tension, and Murphy later apologised on air, acknowledging it was a gross and inaccurate offhand quip.
Vella accepted the apology but made clear she would not let him off the hook, saying, 'It wasn't OK. I appreciate your words but we do move on.' An ABC spokesperson stated that Murphy's comment was out of context and inappropriate, but noted that Vella accepted his apology and wanted to move forward. The incident has raised questions about Murphy's future on the show, which took over the highly competitive 5:30am-8am weekday slot earlier this year.
Separately, Sky After Dark host Chris Kenny launched a furious spray at the ABC for broadcasting what he called 'far-left activist' Hannah Ferguson's 'partisan rubbish' at the National Press Club. Ferguson, who announced plans to run as an independent Senate candidate in 2028, criticised Murdoch media, prompting Kenny to accuse the ABC of giving a platform to extreme-left views.
In other media news, Anthony De Ceglie has quit Seven West Media to become the inaugural chief executive of the NRL's Perth Bears. De Ceglie, who previously ran the West Australian newspaper empire and later Seven's news division, oversaw a period of mass redundancies and falling ratings. His move to the NRL is seen as a blow to Seven West Media, which has a $1.5bn deal with the AFL and has actively campaigned against the NRL team.
