Channel Seven star announces another major departure after bloodletting at the network

Channel Seven star announces another major departure after bloodletting at the network

As a dedicated follower of Australian media, it’s always bittersweet to see beloved figures like Shane Webcke bid farewell to the small screen. With his deep roots in rugby league and a career spanning over 18 years at Channel Seven Brisbane, I can’t help but reminisce about his memorable commentary that made Sunday nights feel like a homecoming.


Shane Webcke, a prominent figure at Channel Seven Brisbane’s sports news desk, has unexpectedly decided to leave his position in the wake of the network’s recent staff reductions.

On Friday, the presenter disclosed the news in a declaration, sharing that he plans to step down from his position in January. However, he will continue his association with Seven for NRL analysis.

According to The Courier Mail, it was mentioned that Shane had lately been negotiating with Seven’s management to cut down on his working hours, allowing him to devote more attention to his own family business.

18 years of delivering sports news for 7NEWS Brisbane has come to an end, as he announced his choice to explore a different path starting from January. He will no longer be found at the news desk.

For some time now, I’ve been contemplating on this matter as it offers me the freedom to maneuver more effectively and devote additional hours to cultivate my family’s farming endeavors.

However, I won’t be venturing too far away. You’ll continue to see me on 7NEWS, alongside my trusted friend Gilly, delivering rugby league analysis for our audience.

Over the past 18 years, I’ve received nothing but kindness. I owe a debt of gratitude to Seven for standing by me as I embark on the next chapter of my life.

The former rugby league player spent his footy career with the Brisbane Broncos, representing Queensland at the Stat of Origin 21 times. 

Channel Seven star announces another major departure after bloodletting at the network

2006 marked his retirement from the sport, following which he took up the role of weekday sports presenter at Seven News in Brisbane, a post he will maintain until January concludes.

Among the staff at Seven, Shane is one of several individuals who have either decreased their responsibilities or been let go as part of the company’s ongoing efforts to cut costs over the past few months.

7West Media made significant layoffs, eliminating approximately 150 editorial positions, which resulted in the departure of notable figures such as newsreader Sharyn Ghidella from Queensland and longtime weatherman Paul Burt.

Recently, Anthony De Ceglie, who was recently named head of news and current affairs at Seven Network, has been swapping out section leaders from various locations with younger managers.

Channel Seven star announces another major departure after bloodletting at the network

He has also introduced a Friday night comedy spot and astrology to the news.

In all three cities – Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide – there are newly appointed news directors. Additionally, fresh executive producers are now leading Sunrise, Weekend Sunrise, and Spotlight programs.

Additionally, the network has let go of experienced professionals Robert Ovadia, Andrew Frampton, and long-time Melbourne crime reporter Cameron Baud, affectionately nicknamed “The Harvester of Sorrow” by friends, on account of his coverage focusing on somber news events.

In Sydney, Ovadia, one of the most prominent figures among those dismissed prior to Ghidella, has declared his intention to file a claim for wrongful termination with the Fair Work Commission against Seven.

Channel Seven star announces another major departure after bloodletting at the network

Previously reported by Daily Mail Australia, Ovadia is said to have shared a bizarre collection of manipulated photos with a young female journalist prior to his dismissal.

As a lifestyle expert looking at this week’s financial news, it’s clear that Seven West Media, under the leadership of Kerry Stokes, experienced a significant setback. The company’s annual profits plummeted by a staggering 69%, leaving them with just $45 million for the year. This is certainly a challenging time for Seven Network.

The group owns the Seven Network and Perth masthead The West Australian with its television network the subject of a Four Corners exposé on Monday.

In an explosive investigative report titled “Don’t Speak,” renowned journalist Louise Milligan disclosed claims of a hostile work environment, bullying, and sexism at the workplace.

Channel Seven star announces another major departure after bloodletting at the network

Since that time, things have been steadily declining, as evidenced by the 2023/24 results on Wednesday, which showed a decrease of approximately one-third in pre-tax earnings, amounting to $187 million.

In response to the recent outcomes, Jeff Howard, both managing director and CEO, found himself in a heated conversation with the investors.

Without a shadow of a doubt, it’s clear that FY24 posed significant challenges for Seven West Media, and I suspect that numerous others in the industry faced similar difficulties as well, according to Mr. Howard.

Initially, shares saw a rise of up to 16.5 cents following the announcement of the results, but later, trading activity among investors was subdued, leading to a closure at 15.5 cents.

The stock was trading at 40 cents a year ago and has fallen by more than 60 per cent since then.

Seven West Media houses some top-notch media experts from Australia, as stated by Mr Howard, however, certain staff members have been informed they must depart.

In my professional opinion, it’s important to clarify that while certain actions of individuals within our organization may seem discordant, these actions do not represent the collective values, conduct, and mindset that define our business as a whole.

As a committed team member, I am dedicated to fostering an environment that empowers our exceptional workforce, promoting a robust culture that emphasizes high performance. I stand firm against any behavior that does not align with our values, ensuring such actions are not condoned within our community.

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2024-08-15 04:34

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