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"Bloodbath": Mass defection at Channel 7 as top reporters jump ship

Channel 7 is facing a growing crisis, with three of its prominent journalists abruptly resigning to join rival Network 10 in what’s being dubbed a “bloodbath” in the newsroom. Senior 7News Sydney reporter Bill Hogan, seasoned foreign correspondent Amelia Brace, and Denham Hitchcock – a key figure in the network’s flagship current affairs show Spotlight – have all defected, according to The Australian. The trio will join a new long-form investigative unit at Network 10, led by head of broadcast news Martin White. Brace and Hitchcock reportedly began their new roles on Monday, leaving Seven’s Martin Place offices just hours after resigning. Hogan is expected to follow suit after completing a three-week notice period. Network 10, owned by US media giant Paramount since 2017, is bolstering its news division with a renewed focus on in-depth investigative reporting. The initiative is seen as an effort to compete with established programs such as the ABC’s Four Corners, Nine’s 60 Minutes and Channel 7’s own Spotlight. Brace, whose new role comes with a reported $270,000 salary – a $50,000 jump from her Seven pay – bid farewell to colleagues last Friday with a candid message. “It feels off to not have an official ‘last day’ to say goodbye,” she said, “but it’s best for me to just fade away for now. Stand up for yourselves, and each other… and think of me every time you have to find a f**king case study.” Hitchcock’s move adds another layer of drama. Having returned to Spotlight in February after a sabbatical spent sailing with his family, he now departs again – this time for what he calls a full-circle moment. His father once worked at Channel 10, and Hitchcock shared his enthusiasm in a social media post. “Well, here we go. I’ve switched channels,” he wrote. “But also in a way – I’ve come full circle. I grew up watching my father on Channel 10 News every night. I had a bunk bed with Eyewitness News stickers all over it – and can still sing the theme song.” As the talent exodus accelerates, questions are mounting about the future of Seven’s news strategy – and whether the network can stem the flow of high-profile losses. Images: Instagram, Network 10

Olympian slapped with lifetime ban after defection

Olympic cycling medallist Matthew Richardson has been banned from representing Australia for life following his unexpected defection to British racing immediately following his dual-silver performance at the Paris 2024 Games. Richardson, celebrated for his impressive performances on the velodrome, reportedly made his decision to defect amid a complex mix of personal and professional factors. While specific details surrounding his departure remain scarce, sources close to the athlete suggest that he sought new opportunities abroad, leading to his controversial choice. AusCycling has imposed strict sanctions on the 25-year-old athlete, effectively ending his potential future with the Australian national team. The cycling body conducted a thorough review of Richardson's actions, finding that he deliberately withheld his intentions to change nationality from AusCycling, his teammates, and key stakeholders. Critically, Richardson requested that the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) delay disclosing his nationality change until after the Olympic Games, a request supported by British Cycling. AusCycling's sanctions include three key provisions: Richardson will not be eligible to rejoin the Australian Cycling Team at any point in the future, he is prohibited from using any resources associated with the Australian Cycling Team or its partners, and he is ineligible for any AusCycling-related awards. The track sprinter, who was born in England but moved to Australia at age nine, won silver medals in the individual sprint and men's keirin, and a bronze in the team sprint at the Paris Olympics. He has since made his debut for Great Britain, winning two events in the UCI Track Champions League. AusCycling attempted to impose a two-year non-competition clause but found it legally unenforceable. Richardson will be eligible to represent Great Britain in international competitions from early next year, following a brief UCI-mandated waiting period. Jesse Korf, AusCycling's Executive General Manager of Performance, released a statement saying: “These decisions underscore AusCycling’s adherence to the values of the Australian National Team and our broader commitment to the principle of Win Well. “Integrity, respect and trust are foundational to our team and organisation, and we remain focused on fostering an environment that upholds these standards.” Richardson, meanwhile, has expressed excitement about his new sporting journey, describing his first race for Great Britain as "a dream come true". Image: Olympics.com

Travel Trouble

Police officer called a hypocrite for defect on car

A police officer who pulled over a man riding a defective motorbike has been called a hypocrite for having a smooth tyre. Theo Glibo was stopped by the police officer at a service station in Largs Bay, Adelaide for having an illegal blue light on his motorbike. The 24-year-old then spotted the officer’s front tyre which was “bald” and questioned why he was being ticketed while the car should also be unroadworthy. “I’m copping a defect and this cop has a bald tyre and he’s not even gonna defect his own car,” Theo said in his video. “I’m not going to put a sticker on it for something that’s going to be dealt with tomorrow,” the officer responded. “Why not? That’s what you’re doing with mine, you’re a hypocrite,” Theo continued. ”If this was anybody else’s tyre, you’d defect it. Where’s the wear bar on that?” The officer agreed that Theo was right and that he would deal with his tyre when his shift ended. “You’re absolutely right, so I will defect that when I get back to my office,” the officer said. Theo’s video went viral to the point that South Australia Police had to release a statement to address the incident. “South Australia Police are aware of the social media post relating to an interaction between a SAPOL employee and a member of the public where the police vehicle was identified to have a bald tyre,” the statement read. “SAPOL have taken steps to address this matter.” Images: TikTok

Travel Trouble

Almost 50,000 Australian vehicles recalled due to engine defect

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has announced almost 50,000 cars in Australia will be recalled due to a dangerous mechanical defect. Mitsubishi Motors is recalling 48,209 vehicles that have problems with the power relays which mean the part may overheat, potentially leading to serious engine failure. "The engine may stall during driving, fail to restart or failsafe protection may be activated, with a loss of engine power," the recall notice states. "An unexpected loss of engine power may result in an accident." Models affected by the recall include the Mitsubishi Lancer, Mitsubishi ASX and Mitsubishi Outlander. The ACCC published a list of car vehicle identification numbers that will be recalled which you can access <a href="https://www.mitsubishi-motors.com.au/customer-assistance/vehicle-recalls" target="_blank">here</a>. Mitsubishi has stated that it would contact owners of the models affected, and offer a replacement for the defective part. Owners are advised to contact Mitsubishi Motors Australia on 1300 131 211. Have you ever had vehicular troubles? <a href="https://oversixty.disconline.com.au/car/new_quote.jsp?hSty=EXOS&cgpCde=00272&hCenCde=10737&LinkId=12071&utm_source=over60&utm_campaign=insurance&utm_medium=in-article-banner-car-1&utm_content=car-insurance" target="_blank"><img src="http://media.oversixty.com.au/images/EditorialAddon/201706_CarInsurance_EditorialAddon_468x60_1.gif" alt="Over60 Car Insurance - Get a quote!"/></a>

Insurance

Australian drivers urged to check their car for potentially fatal defect

Australian drivers are being urged to check whether their car contains potentially faulty airbags, after a defective model was blamed for killing a man in a crash in Sydney. Consumer advocate Choice said the July 13 accident was a “terrible reminder” for drivers to check whether their car contains the faulty Takata airbag. The Takata airbags have been found to explode and shoot metal shards. They have been linked to 18 deaths and 180 injuries worldwide. NSW Police found that a faulty airbag was likely the cause of the death of a 58-year-old man whose Honda CRV collided with another vehicle at an intersection in Sydney’s southwest. He was “struck in the neck by a small fragment”. “Further investigations revealed the vehicle in the incident was subject of a worldwide recall for a faulty airbag,” they said in a statement. Choice spokesman Tom Godfrey urged in a statement for Aussies to check to see if their cars contain the faulty airbags, which have been fitted in 2.1 million cars in Australia. “Toyota, Mazda, BMW, Subaru, Nissan, Honda, Mitsubishi, FCA (Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep), Lexus, and Ford all have vehicles impacted by the recall,” he said. “These potentially lethal products have already sparked the largest automotive recall in history and have killed more than a dozen people worldwide.” “So if you own one of these makes, please check <a href="https://www.productsafety.gov.au/" target="_blank">productsafety.gov.au</a> to see if your model has been affected.” This has been the first fatality involving Takata airbags in Australia.

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