Channel Seven billionaire owner’s favourite TV stars are revealed as he hosts a bevy of presenters over for lunch at his mansion with a celebrity chef – so who DIDN’T make the cut?
As a seasoned news veteran with decades of experience under my belt, I must say that the current state of affairs at Channel Seven is akin to watching a rollercoaster ride without the thrill. The constant changes and shakeups seem more like a game of musical chairs than a strategic restructuring.
On a sunny Friday in Sydney, I had the privilege of being invited to an exquisite luncheon at the magnificent residence of media magnate Kerry Stokes, situated on Darling Point. The gathering was exclusive, bringing together the brightest talents associated with Channel Seven, amidst the ongoing challenges faced by our cherished television network.
A group of well-known journalists and high-ranking officials from 7News visited an 84-year-old’s lavish waterfront home for a leisurely meal, where the acclaimed chef Guillaume Brahimi prepared mouthwatering dishes.
Among the attendees were 7News weekend anchors Michael Usher and Angie Asimus.
In a smart and stylish manner, Usher, aged 54, donned a well-fitted navy double-breasted suit combined with a crisp white long-sleeve button-up shirt. On the other hand, Asimus, at 39 years old, radiated elegance in a royal blue maxi dress featuring a short sleeve and pleated skirt.
Gemma Acton engaged in conversation with Asimus, mirroring the others’ expressions in a striking, mid-length dress of deep navy blue.
At the event, the renowned Spotlight star Liam Barlett, aged 63, along with executive producer Gemma Williams, who is only 25 years old, were also present. Chris Reason, 59, and the recently appointed Director of News and Current Affairs, Anthony De Ceglie, appeared to be in high spirits during the gathering.
Mark Ferguson, aged 58, appeared wearing a collared shirt, khaki pants, and completed the look with brown footwear. (or) Mark Ferguson, 58, was dressed in a collared shirt, khaki pants, and brown boots.
On weekdays, Angela Cox, his co-host on 7News, chose to wear a navy dress with a scoop neckline and complemented it with beige closed-toe sandals.
However, several other notable stars from Channel Seven were notably absent.
Matt Shirvington and Natalie Barr were absent from their Sunrise co-hosting duties because Barr is overseas in Washington D.C., covering the ongoing US election events, and Shirvington is working in the Sydney studio alongside Monique Wright.
Alongside Mark Beretta from Sunrise Sports and meteorologist Sam Mac, who departed for South Africa this morning, were absent from Stokes’ event as well.
Furthermore, this year’s Gold Logie winner, Larry Emdur from The Morning Show, along with his co-host Kylie Gillies, were left out of the intimate lunch gathering.
Stokes’ encounter with Seven’s top-tier personnel takes place amidst significant changes in positions and titles, as well as a steep decline in viewership ratings.
Last month, Usher and Asimus were appointed co-anchors of the 6pm bulletin from Friday to Sunday.
For the upcoming week, veteran journalist Asimus will be back on duty, delivering weather updates for Sydney alongside Ferguson and Cox in the studio.
The announcement about who would replace Sharyn Ghidella was made earlier this month, following her controversial departure from Channel Seven in July.
7News Brisbane announced in October that Sarah Greenhalgh would take on the role of co-anchor for their primary 6pm news broadcast.
Recently, several employees were laid off as part of Seven’s cost-cutting strategy.
7West Media made the difficult decision to let go of 150 editorial team members, resulting in the departure of well-known figures such as Sharyn Ghidella and longtime Queensland weathercaster Paul Burt due to a series of layoffs.
Recently appointed head of news and current affairs at Seven Network, De Ceglie, is swapping out section leaders from different regions with more youthful managers.
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, while the roles of Sunrise, Weekend Sunrise, and Spotlight have new executive producers at their helm.
Additionally, the network has let go experienced professionals Robert Ovadia, Andrew Frampton, and longtime Melbourne crime journalist Cameron Baud, affectionately referred to by friends as the ‘Harvester of Sadness’, because he covers a somber news segment.
In Sydney, Ovadia, one of the most prominent individuals let go before Ghidella, has stated his intention to bring Seven West Media to the Fair Work Commission, alleging wrongful termination.
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2024-11-08 08:04