It’s a move that has sparked endless industry chatter and speculation: with Mark Ferguson on annual leave, Angela Cox has been left alone in the hosting chair of Seven’s 6pm news bulletin.
Her appearance reading the news alone on Monday and again on Tuesday night sparked much industry speculation about the network’s grand plans for the rising star and former US correspondent.
With Mark Ferguson on annual leave during what is essentially a ratings wasteland for Seven – thanks to Nine’s Olympics broadcast – the network is experimenting with different faces for its flagship Sydney 6pm news bulletin.
Many thought Seven would turn to the duo of Cox and Michael Asher to present the main programme.
But sending Cox solo sent shock waves through the industry, and is believed to have caught Nine off guard.
Angela Cox presents Seven’s breaking news bulletin at 6pm on Mondays.
Cox hosting alone offers a stark contrast to her Nine counterpart at 6pm with news anchor Peter Overton.
“It’s a smart move,” said one TV expert. “They’re giving viewers a clear choice now.”
“Either go with a dynamic female or a familiar face that has been in the chair for a long time.”
Viewer ratings, which have shown Seven News trailing Nine in the race for numbers, suggest it is time for a new face to head the channel.
Seven is also concerned about its flagship game show, The Chase, which could be beaten by Nine’s Tipping Point in major capital cities like Sydney.
It is understood there are plans for Asher to become the national face of 7NEWS while continuing his work on current affairs programme, Spotlight.
Seven is also believed to be confident that Ferguson will sign a new deal with the network too – which only adds to the uncertainty over the future look of the 6pm bulletin.
Mark Ferguson at Seven’s Eveleigh Studios.
Michael Asher. Photo: Jonathan Ng
There has been a lot of change at Seven under new director of news and current affairs Anthony De Ceglie, who has proven he is not afraid to put up-and-coming young talent in the spotlight.
But most of the changes have been behind the scenes.
Sunrise executive producer Shaun Power has become Sydney’s news director.
Jake Lyle is the new EP for Sunrise, Holly Fallon is the new president of Weekend Sunrise, and Chloe Flynn remains on The Morning Show.
They report to morning TV director Sarah Stinson.
In May, it was announced that De Ceglie had successfully lured rising star Gemma Williams from Channel Nine to take over the struggling current affairs programme Spotlight, which competes with Channel Nine’s 60 Minutes.
