Major change ahead for Sunrise
Sunrise has had a lot of readjusting to do in 2023, with their casting change in the wake of longtime host David Koch’s departure being just the beginning.
And now, the show is faced with another new development, as Channel 7 looks to pack up its Martin Place residence to move to its new studio.
Fans of the show will be familiar with the window backdrop that came with the CBD location, as it’s where the company has called home for almost two decades. But Sunrise is next up to make the move to 7’s new Eveleigh studio, with 7 NEWS anchor Mark Ferguson giving the final go ahead.
Over the course of a month, Channel 7’s flagship morning shows will be following their nightly counterparts to the new location, with Sunrise, Weekend Sunrise, and The Morning Show next on the removalist’s to-do list.
They won’t be alone in the new studio, with the likes of 7NEWS.com.au and 7 NEWS Spotlight already having parted ways with Martin Place.
And according to Seven West Media Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer James Warburton, the change marks the first time in 40 years that the network’s Sydney operation will be “under one roof”, as they embark on “the beginning of a landmark chapter”.
“Martin Place has served as an exceptional home for us but as we aim to unite even more Australians across our much-loved news and public affairs content, our transition to the purpose-built, state-of-the-art studio space in south Eveleigh is a pivotal move,” he said.
“7 NEWS’s relocation to south Eveleigh marks the start of this exciting phase and we look forward to Sunrise and The Morning Show joining our cutting-edge, new location soon.”
Network Director of News and Public Affairs Craig McPherosn had his own words to share, noting that the move “marks a new beginning” for everyone involved.
“Since first turning the lights on at Martin Place on August 30, 2004, Seven’s News and Public Affairs team has broadcast a mammoth 70,000 hours of television from the Martin Place studio,” he explained.
“Hundreds of careers started there, as did programs. Not all lasted but the constant demand for the content never wavered.
“It was a wonderful workplace for all of us, but it had served its time.”
Images: Sunrise / Channel 7