And Now For The News

Have you ever had the feeling that you wanted to go but still had the feeling that you wanted to stay?

Stay, Go, Go, Stay...

Whether veteran TV reporter Ray Martin was channeling the late, great Jimmy Durante is unknown, but the lyrics to the jazz novelty song are strangely appropriate considering this week's news.

On August 25, Ray announced to journalists he intended to quit his 30 year TV reporting career.

Au contraire went the report the following day:

The confusion was explained by one of Martin's critics at Nine, who said the popular presenter has previously used media speculation about his future as a successful negotiating tool.

If that's the case, the publicity seems to have backfired on the experienced journalist.

And a day later Martin has been forced to come out to reject both rumours - well, sort of:

Martin said he had "never on any occasion in 30 years gone to the papers and threatened to go to Channel 7 or Channel 10 at the end of a contract".

The reports emerged following The Weekend Australian's revelations that Martin was considering his future.

He has said the uncertainty about his future is about a "crossroads" issue in his life.

"Some people face a dilemma when they're 21 or 40," he said.

"My dilemma happens to be at 62."

Unfortunately Martin has fallen foul of a beginners trick with the media - believing that they are on your side and will report your story the way you want them too.

Whether the three days of stories will affect Martin's future plans remains unclear, but for anyone to plans to engage with the media in any way should contact Business Communications Management for media training.