Veteran Australian broadcaster Mark Beretta has shared the deeply personal and emotional reasons behind his decision to step away from Channel Seven's flagship breakfast programme, Sunrise, after an incredible 30-year tenure.
A 'Harrowing' Period of Personal Loss
In a candid interview, the 59-year-old revealed that a series of devastating family events over recent years made him reassess his priorities. Beretta described the period as 'harrowing', leading him to conclude it was time to leave the demanding early-morning show he helped build.
The presenter's mother, Joan, was first diagnosed with stage three ovarian cancer in 2019. Just three years later, his father David also received a cancer diagnosis. Tragically, David passed away at the start of this year. Compounding this grief, Beretta's marriage of 22 years came to an end in 2023.
'TV is tough. It's never been tougher,' Beretta told the Daily Telegraph, explaining that he felt he needed a break, particularly as his family life underwent such profound change.
Choosing Family Over Fame
Following his father's death, Beretta began seriously contemplating a life beyond the Sunrise studio—one where he could dedicate more time to his loved ones. This resolve strengthened when he learned his mother's cancer had progressed.
'The job is great and it's fun and I get a lot of satisfaction out of it. But, I don't want to lose this time. I don't want to lose these moments. So, you know, I'll grab them,' he stated emotionally.
He indicated that his departure was a mutual decision, a combination of the network's choice and his own, driven by these personal circumstances.
Support and a Storied Career
Despite the difficult year, Beretta acknowledged having a supportive 'friend' who stood by him during his father's final days and his exit from Seven. 'She's been by my side through the time with dad, and dad loved her, which is great. She's great,' he said of the mystery woman.
Beretta's career in broadcasting is legendary. He began in radio in 1988 before moving to television in 1994. He joined the Seven Network in 1995 and by 2008 was presenting sport on Sunrise, becoming a cornerstone of the show's success.
His remarkable sporting commentary portfolio includes:
- Covering 13 Olympic Games for Seven.
- Hosting prime-time coverage of the Sydney 2000 Games.
- Commentating on Cathy Freeman's iconic 400m gold and Australia's first Olympic Freestyle Aerials Gold in 2002.
- Reporting on AFL, Australian Open Tennis, Supercars, and the Commonwealth Games.
He announced his departure on-air last month, telling viewers, 'After 30 years... the time is right for me to step away.' He expressed immense pride in the show and its team, calling it 'an honour' to have been part of the Sunrise family for so long.
