Channel Seven stars are being cut left and right in a TV bloodbath. But what bosses are up to behind this door will upset staff

Channel Seven stars are being cut left and right in a TV bloodbath. But what bosses are up to behind this door will upset staff

As a devoted fan and follower of Channel Seven news, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of disappointment and concern as I read about the current state of affairs at the network. The news that Channel Seven is splashing out on expensive office renovations while axing around 150 staff members is both shocking and disheartening.


Channel Seven has significantly invested in refurbishing its Parliament House offices, complete with a state-of-the-art TV studio and stylish desk setup, following the layoff of approximately 150 employees due to financial hardships.

During the parliamentary winter recess, Seven’s offices at Canberra’s Press Gallery are undergoing construction work. Warning notices have been attached to the doors, and tape covers the door handles and locks.

I’m a devoted staff member here, and we’ve been instructed to utilize The West Australian newspaper’s workspace just a short stroll down the corridor until the ongoing renovations have wrapped up.

According to Daily Mail Australia, Seven expanded its office space by nearly doubling its size when it purchased the adjacent building from Network Ten around ten years ago, during a period of cost-cutting measures for Seven.

During the expensive renovations, around fifty dedicated employees from various branches of Seven West Media have been let go as part of the company’s recently announced cost-saving measures.

Editors, television producers, marketers, and sales team members from various departments have been let go. Notable on-screen talent and well-compensated TV hosts have also been terminated from their positions.

Sharyn Ghidella, a well-known Brisbane news anchor with many years of experience, was unexpectedly let go from her job while getting her hair done at a salon in preparation for a forthcoming network event.

Channel Seven stars are being cut left and right in a TV bloodbath. But what bosses are up to behind this door will upset staff

The Seven network representative informed Daily Mail Australia that the Press Gallery refurbishments had been planned long before the company faced financial difficulties.

“Seven’s Parliament House office renovation plans were established as early as the beginning of 2022, predating the present cost-cutting initiative,” they noted.

In response to the severe circumstances, Kerry Stokes, Seven Network’s wealthy proprietor, is scheduled to travel from Perth to Sydney and move into the executive level of Seven’s Eveleigh headquarters next week.

He’ll take an active role in addressing the network’s recent negative publicity and internal strife when he joins, a fact that hasn’t put staff at ease.

In simpler terms, Seven’s reputation as the leading free-to-air television network grew significantly following the Bruce Lehrmann Spotlight scandal. This was triggered when a former producer, Taylor Auerbach, accused Seven in court.

Lehrmann was accused by him of being paid in kind for drugs and sex services, with the intention of securing an exclusive interview on Spotlight.

Despite the network’s repeated denials, the harm had already been inflicted. Now, Seven faces a tumultuous period of leadership changes and budget reductions.

Channel Seven stars are being cut left and right in a TV bloodbath. But what bosses are up to behind this door will upset staff
Channel Seven stars are being cut left and right in a TV bloodbath. But what bosses are up to behind this door will upset staff

I’m sad to share that some key figures in our team have recently moved on from their roles here. Craig McPherson led our news and current affairs department as its director, James Warburton held the position of managing director, Bruce McWilliam was our commercial director, and Mark Llewellyn produced Spotlight as its executive producer. All have left significant contributions to our organization and will be deeply missed.

In April, Anthony De Ceglie, who had worked as a newspaper editor and lacked television experience, was appointed to the leading editorial role at Channel Seven, replacing Mr. McPherson.

After investigations by ABC Four Corners into reports of a harmful work environment, veteran journalist Robert Ovadia chose to depart from Seven News.

Ovadia is reportedly accused of secretly copying pictures from a woman’s private Instagram account and then altering them into humorous or exaggerated versions. Later, he allegedly shared these modified images with the same woman. (Daily Mail Australia had earlier disclosed this information.)

I’ve taken the bold step of filing a complaint with the Fair Work Commission against De Ceglie and Seven. My objective is to secure fair compensation and to be reinstated in the role I devotedly served for 23 years.

There are whispers that veteran news anchor Mark Ferguson, believed to earn as much as $750,000 annually, might be under threat. Notably, Angela Cox has been making solo presentations recently, which has gained attention.

Channel Seven stars are being cut left and right in a TV bloodbath. But what bosses are up to behind this door will upset staff
Channel Seven stars are being cut left and right in a TV bloodbath. But what bosses are up to behind this door will upset staff

During this time, reports indicated that Ms. Ghidella was let go from the Brisbane office of the network due to her significantly greater salary compared to her colleague Max Futcher.

After spending over three decades in television, I’m used to the routine surprise visits. However, I recently experienced this anticipated event myself: a tap on the shoulder signaling a new development after 38 years. (Or) In my TV career lasting over three decades, there’s rarely a day without an unexpected visit. Finally, I have received one myself, making it a significant milestone after 38 years.

‘It wasn’t quite how I expected it to end at Channel Seven.

While at the hair salon for work-related reasons, I received a surprising phone call notifying me that my 17-year tenure with the network had come to an end.

Although I’m disappointed by this outcome, I can’t deny feeling a bit relieved as well. The last few weeks on television have unfortunately been filled with misery, as we’ve all heard.

Obtained exclusively by Daily Mail Australia, recent data shows that Seven News Brisbane lost approximately 29,000 viewers within a two-week timeframe.

On Monday, the drop in ratings caused Seven to trail Nine’s Brisbane news by about 88,000 viewers – a significant shift from the close competition they had on July 8, when Seven was only 60,000 viewers behind.

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2024-07-25 09:08

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