Angry fans turned to social media after Helen Kapalos was axed as a Channel 10 newsreader. Source: Herald Sun
UPDATE: HELEN Kapalos says she's been "overwhelmed" by hundreds of messages of support she's received since being axed from Channel 10 news on Friday night.
In an email sent from New York, the popular newsreader said she would continue to make Melbourne her home and has already had some “interesting discussions” about what she may do next on TV.
Kapalos was given her marching orders on Friday, just before a planned holiday to the United States.
There was no farewell party with her colleagues or opportunity for her to say goodbye to viewers.
Instead her work email account was closed, her security pass cancelled and she was left to announce her own humiliating departure on Twitter.
Despite all this, Kapalos said she bore no grudge against Ten.
“I've heard from people all around the country and its very humbling. I thank them from the bottom of my heart,” Kapalos said in her email.
“I am definitely planning to return to Melbourne. I have unfinished business in relation to all the community work I do, from Fed Square to the Farmers Markets, the Hawks, and my charity work.
"Melbourne is my home and I have never felt this more acutely than I do now.
“I am planning to return to TV and already having some interesting discussions about my future direction.
“I wish Ten well. I worked with some wonderful people there.
“Sometimes we are pushed into the path we were meant to be taking, and that’s how I view this.”
The shock Kapalos boning has been described as "sexist'', "stupid'' and "disgusting'' by the 41 year-old news anchor's many fans on social media.
It was a huge turn-around from the network that had poured countless hours and dollars into luring Kapalos to Melbourne in 2006 and making her into one of their most popular local personalities.
Industry insiders say Ten's treatment of Kapalos was nothing short of "disrespectful''.
On Twitter many viewers vowed to "never watch the news again'' after the axing.
Some accused the network of sexism for renewing veteran Mal Walden's contract ahead of his female co-anchor.
Viewers also sent messages of support directly to Kapalos on her new website, which was up for the first time yesterday.
Matt C wrote: "I was totally shocked and surprised a bit about your dismissal from channel 10 Melbourne . I was a huge fan of yours, one of the best newsreaders in this country, to be treated in this disgusting manner by the people at 10.''
"Shame 10, shame. No wonder the network is struggling,'' Noel Bennett wrote on the website.
David posted: "Helen I love you and will be boycotting ch10. Disgusting how they treated you.''
A Ten spokesman confirmed that Kapalos' contract would not be renewed but would not comment on how she had been treated or reports that she was taking legal action.
He said Melanie Davies would co-anchor with Walden for the next two weeks, as had been pre-arranged for what was to have been Kapalos' holiday leave.
He did not know what was planned after that.
He could not say how many more journalists would be made redundant by the network.
"We are still in discussions with our news and operations staff and therefore cannot comment publicly,'' he said.
3AW radio announcer Neil Mitchell sent his support for Kapalos via Twitter.
"The sacking of Helen Kapalos may or may not be sexist but it was stupid. And badly handled. Good luck Helen," he tweeted.
Kapalos earlier tweeted: "Fall down seven times. Get up eight. Big love to my supporters".
Ten hired the then Sydney-based Kapalos soon after her previous employer, Nine, controversially axed Nightline and Sunday.
Kapalos was understood to have been on a hefty salary after renegotiating her contract at least twice since 2006.
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