"Fresh chapter": Channel 7 reveals new star line-up
Channel 7 has revealed yet another shake-up in its news presenter lineup, following months of significant reshuffles and the departures of several high-profile television personalities from the network.
On Sunday, the network announced what it described as a "fresh chapter" for its 7News Sydney team, with veteran broadcasters Angela Cox and Mark Ferguson appointed as co-anchors for the flagship 6pm bulletin.
Cox, who has served as a weekend news co-presenter for the past four years, temporarily filled in for Ferguson while he was on leave during the Olympics. This period of transition occurred amid a series of changes initiated by Seven's news and current affairs director, Anthony De Ceglie.
The timing of Ferguson's leave had sparked speculation about his future at the network, particularly against the backdrop of reported cost-cutting measures due to a significant drop in ad revenue. However, the latest announcement puts those rumours to rest, affirming Ferguson's continued role at the helm of 7News Sydney.
Cox, who has spent two decades with Channel 7, including a notable seven-year tenure as a foreign correspondent in the US, expressed her excitement about the new role. "Mark’s warmth, integrity and authority behind the news desk has rightfully earned him a loyal following," she said. "He’s also a great bloke, always professional, very funny and a great husband and family man.
"The news landscape has changed so much. The way we consume news is radically different now than even 10 years ago and 7NEWS is evolving too."
Cox is set to co-anchor her first bulletin with Ferguson on Sunday, September 8, following his return from filming a special series of news reports.
Ferguson, who has been the face of the 7News Sydney bulletin for a decade, celebrated his 40th year in the media industry in February. His vast experience and reputation as one of Australia's most trusted news voices make him a key figure in this new co-anchor format.
"This new co-anchor approach brings a new sense of dynamism, innovation, and flexibility to the hour-long program," said De Ceglie in a statement. "I am incredibly excited to see Mark and Angela work together."
Sunday's announcement is the latest in a series of changes within Channel 7's newsrooms. In July, star Brisbane newsreader Sharyn Ghidella was unexpectedly axed after nearly two decades with the network, a move she revealed on social media after being informed of her departure while at a hairdresser's appointment.
August saw the departure of veteran sports presenter Shane Webcke from the news desk, though he will continue contributing NRL insights for the network. Additionally, senior journalist Steve Hart announced his exit from the Brisbane newsroom in an internal email to staff last month.
In contrast to these exits, Channel 7 has also made strategic hires, including the recent addition of former ABC journalist Karina Carvalho as a 7News presenter in Melbourne.
As Channel 7 continues to navigate these changes, the network's commitment to refreshing its news lineup is evident, with the Cox-Ferguson co-anchor team set to usher in this "fresh chapter" for 7News Sydney.
Images: 7News