Ray Martin quits Nine

More troubling news today for the Nine Network with Ray Martin announcing he will move on after almost 30 years.

In his time, the respected journo has been associated with 60 Minutes, A Current Affair, Midday, Sunday, election debates and Carols by Candlelight. His interviews with leading newsmakers, including Terri Irwin have regularly been high-profile television. He has always been drawn upon by the network to champion major news events including the tsunami, the national drought, floods and the 9-11 disaster.

"Frankly I think it's about time I bow out," he told the Herald-Sun. "It's been a wonderful run. I have enjoyed it very much but it's simply just time. Time to up stumps. Whether the election is the last thing I do, I'm not sure. I've been keen to do some writing. Maybe that's what I will do."

His resignation follows the departure of News boss Garry Linnell this week and will further damage Nine's beloved news brand, which has already taken a battering by Seven so far this year.

Martin last did a story on 60 Minutes a week ago, but against the premiere of Kath & Kim the show only attracted 1.1m to Seven's 2.5m. Read more...