Fed: SBS management to meet newsreader over "quit" speculation

AAP General News (Australia)
08-21-2007
Fed: SBS management to meet newsreader over "quit" speculation

SYDNEY, Aug 21 AAP - SBS TV management plans to meet soon with veteran newsreader Mary
Kostakidis following speculation she has quit the network she joined 27 years ago.

Fairfax reported today that Kostakidis has not turned up for work for a week and a
half and is apparently unhappy with changes to the prime time news bulletin she presents
with Stan Grant.

Kostakidis and former CNN and Seven Network presenter Grant have presented the 6.30pm
World News Australia bulletin together since January, when the 30-minute format was stretched
to one hour and commercial breaks introduced.

The SBS veteran reportedly believes that changes in the news program, which she has
been presenting for nearly 20 years, have led to a drop in standards.

A spokeswoman for SBS said the station was aware of speculation that Kostakidis intended
to leave SBS, but insisted she has simply called in sick.

"Mary has informed SBS that she is unwell and has presented a doctor's certificate
confirming this," the spokeswoman said.

The nature of her illness was not specified.

"Mary has requested sick leave which has been granted," the spokeswoman said.

"Given the speculation, SBS management is expecting to meet with Mary as soon as appropriate."

Kostakidis, 52, joined SBS in 1980 as part of the management team that founded the network.

AAP mdg/jm/sp

KEYWORD: KOSTAKIDIS

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