After an extraordinary three decades with the Seven Network, and 22 years waking up the nation on Sunrise, Mark Beretta has announced he will step away from his role as sports anchor. Affectionately known as Beretts, he shared the news with viewers this morning, marking the end of an era for Australian breakfast television.
In typical Beretts fashion, the announcement was grounded in gratitude, humility and heart. “After a lot of long nights thinking about it, the time is right for me to step away from Sunrise. If someone had told me back in February 1995 when I walked through the doors of Seven Melbourne for my first day that 30 years later I’d still be doing the job I love, I wouldn’t have believed them.” It’s a reflection of a career built on passion, consistency and an unwavering love of sport.
He admits the decision wasn’t easy. “Sunrise has been a huge part of my life, and while it’s not easy to say goodbye to my Sunrise family and the show we’ve shared so much passion for, I’m incredibly proud of the work we’ve done, and the unforgettable moments shared.” The loss of his father two months ago, coupled with his mother’s continued battle with cancer, shifted his perspective. “Losing Dad to cancer two months ago, and Mum fighting on against the disease, has made me see the world a little differently. Family time has become even more important. And I want to do more to help the great work of Tour de Cure in finding treatments and cures for cancer.”
That desire to give back has long been a driving force behind his work. He’s completed 16 Tour de Cure rides, raising millions for breakthrough cancer research, and was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for his commitment to charity. Beretts says the people who have walked the journey with him have meant everything. “I have so many people to thank – our inspirational Chairman Kerry Stokes, all the great leaders I’ve worked under here at Seven, as well as so many talented colleagues and crew, and the fantastic athletes and sportspeople who have been so generous to me over three decades. From the bottom of my heart thanks to all our viewers, you will always be the best part of Sunrise.”
His passion for sport will continue. “My passion for sport and athletes and telling their terrific stories will never fade, and I won’t be far away. There are some big events on the horizon that I’m thrilled to be part of, including my ongoing work with Tour de Cure and the annual Sunrise ride, which will continue as always.”
Across the network, tributes flowed. Seven’s Director of Morning Television Sarah Stinson described his impact simply: “Mark has been the heartbeat of Sunrise’s sports coverage for more than two decades.” Long-time co-host Natalie Barr shared her own heartfelt message: “For more than 20 years we have sat together in the Sunrise studio and what a ride it has been… you never quite leave the Sunrise family though… so see you soon Beretts!”
From covering 13 Olympic Games—including the Sydney 2000 prime-time broadcast of Cathy Freeman’s iconic win—to commentating Australia’s first Olympic Freestyle Aerials Gold in 2002, working across AFL, tennis, surf lifesaving, Supercars and more, Beretts has shaped how Australians watch and connect with sport.
Viewers can tune in for his final Sunrise on Friday 12 December, as Seven celebrates a career that has become part of Australia’s morning routine. And while he’s stepping away from the daily desk, he’s not going far—remaining part of the Sunrise and Seven family, with special projects to come.
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