7News star lashes out at criticism over news segment
Comedian Mark Humphries has hit back at critics, responding to the criticism surrounding his satirical segment on Channel Seven's evening news.
Many viewers responded angrily to his new gig after the first airing of The 6.57pm News that airs on Friday night, with Humphries admitting he found the controversy over the lighthearted segment "bizarre".
“I was so stunned because I did five years at 7.30, the ABC’s flagship current affairs program, which I think of all the shows to have a comedy segment, that’s even less likely to have one,” he told Stellar Magazine.
“I didn’t know people felt so strongly about the 6 o’clock news and how its integrity must be defended. And, you know, it’s the last three minutes at the end of the week before Better Homes And Gardens. I’ve said this before, but the great thing about The 6.57pm News is that if you want to avoid it, you know exactly what time to tune out. [The reaction] was bizarre.”
He added: “The worst thing that was said about me, that stays with me is, ‘I look like a Ken doll gone wrong!’”
The addition of the satirical segment came courtesy of newly appointed news director Anthony De Ceglie who said the segment “will use satire to cut through political spin and translate current affairs in the universal news language of taking the piss”.
When the comedy segment first aired in July, many were quick to voice their disapproval.
“This was an appalling segment … hire, rather than sack, journos,” said one on 7News’ social media.
“It was a deplorable segment that has no place in a news bulletin,” another added.
Image credits: Seven