Adam Boland: ‘There’s nothing more I want to do in television’
Morning TV producer Adam Boland says he is quitting TV for good after ending his contract with Network Ten early after admitting “I have struggled to get my mind back in the game” since his breakdown last year.
Yesterday it emerged Boland had quit Ten, where he helped develop and launch morning TV shows Wake Up and Studio Ten, and his post as executive producer of Wake Up will be filled by former Today Show producer Steve Wood.
In a lengthy post on Facebook yesterday he said he was going to Vanuatu with his boyfriend for “at least” four months and declared “there’s nothing more I want to do in television”, thanking everyone he has worked with over a 17-year career which saw him help Seven’s Sunrise become the dominant force in breakfast TV.
A statement yesterday from Ten had said Boland was taking “a break” from TV.
The Facebook post in full:
So, I made a big life decision this month which I can finally talk about.
I’m leaving Ten and indeed, television.
Since my breakdown, I have struggled to get my mind back in the game. And that’s unfair to my many friends who produce morning TV at Ten. I’m proud of the shows we launched – but they will only reach their full potential with strong leadership.
I’m thankful that Ten agreed to release me from my contract. The truth is, I have lost my passion for television. Sadly, that’s something I only realised when I started doing day-to-day shows again.
Across the past 17 years, I have achieved far more than I ever expected. I’ve met people I adore, from Al Gore to Benjamin Law. I’ve dined with Prime Ministers and argued with newspaper editors. I even got to produce a prime-time concert at the Opera House! But I’m most proud of the times we shed light on issues I care about – climate change, equality and most recently, mental health.
There’s nothing more I want to do in television.
So, Kenny and I will spend the next four months (at least) in Vanuatu. We have no plan and frankly, that’s exactly what we want. I need some stillness in my life.
And that means I’m not sure what I will do next, but whatever it is, it will need to provoke my passion. Suspect it will have something to do with one of my pet causes above.
Anyway, thanks to everyone who I had the pleasure of working with in television. I hope that many will forever remain friends.
And whenever you need a break, drop in to our little hideaway in Vanuatu.
This is the most perfect Facebook post ever. In fact, I think Adam may have won Facebook.
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Lightning doesnt strike twice. Being successful producing one show does not translate into success in other shows.The stars need to be aligned at the right time, there needs to be a gap that needs to be filled. Viewers did not need just another morning show. Sunrise look like they are having fun all the time. Today seems contrived.Lisa with her constant smile amidst gritted teeth.
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Good on Adam for exposing the impact mental health issues can have – too often an unspoken problem. All the best for rediscovering and embarking on whatever is next.
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Noelene I have enjoyed all the shows you have produced.
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Ad-mirer everybody can’t be producers but everybody has a right to make comments . If you comment on the prime ministers actions does it mean u have been a prime minister before?
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I think Noelene and Georgie miss the point – they seem to suggest that Adam’s mental health issues are the result of challenges with his latest series of shows? Shame on them. Adam’s openness about his health issues have been frank, honest, and pointed blame at no one or anything. I have such admiration for him, and hope his story gives courage to others to put their health before their career. Many don’t.
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I think a lot of people have lost their passion for television.
Most of them viewers.
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Don’t know the guy, but he sure has some ticker.
That took honesty and guts. “I dips me lid…”
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