Channel Seven bloodbath continues with claims network could axe 150 jobs
The mass exodus of staff at Channel Seven will continue with dozens of redundancies announced.
As many as 150 jobs at Seven West Media could be cut on Tuesday following a recent series of high-profile departures, according to a report.
It comes less than a week after veteran television reporter and substitute Robert Ovadia was fired by the broadcaster following an internal investigation.
It is understood that CEO Jeff Howard will announce cuts to the television and print divisions, as well as to the sales and marketing teams and printing staff.
Last week, Mr Howard told a parliamentary inquiry that the network would have to cut costs if revenue from the commercial deal with Meta runs out later this year. Television tonight reported.
Up to 150 jobs at Seven West Media could be cut on Tuesday following a recent series of high-profile departures. Pictured are Morning Show hosts Larry Edmur and Kylie Gillies
More changes are in store for Channel Seven in the wake of Bruce Lehrmann’s revelations
Editor-in-chief Anthony de Ceglie has already made several staff changes and new appointments within the Seven’s News division.
The network announced a reshuffle to its news leadership team last Thursday, including a new director of news in Sydney and new executive producers for Sunrise and Weekend Sunrise.
Sean Power will take on the role of news director for Seven Sydney, replacing veteran news chief Neil Warren, who spent 32 years at the network.
Mr. Power will leave his position as executive producer of Sunrise and current supervising producer Jake Lyle will take over the role.
Mr Lyle is a recent addition to Seven, having only been with the network for six months, previously working on Nine’s Today show and with Ben Fordham at 2GB.
They are among the latest changes at Seven in the wake of Bruce Lehrmann’s damning sex and drugs allegations on the network’s flagship current affairs programme, Spotlight.
New executive producers were announced for Sunrise and Weekend Sunrise in the latest Seven shake-up announced last Thursday. Pictured are Sunrise co-hosts Nat Barr and Matt Shirvington
Sean Power (pictured) will take on the role of news director for Seven Sydney, replacing veteran news chief Neil Warren, who spent 32 years at the network
In April alone, the network lost director of news and current affairs Craig McPherson, general manager James Warburton, commercial director Bruce McWilliam and Spotlight executive producer Mark Llewellyn.
In a statement, Mr De Ceglie paid tribute to Mr Warren: ‘Neil is extremely highly regarded by all his colleagues at Seven and across the industry.’
“We are sad to see him go, but wish him all the best, and we are grateful that he will remain for a while to ensure a smooth transition.”
Announcing the new news director for Seven Sydney, Mr De Ceglie said Mr Power’s time at Sunrise was marked by incredible success and creativity.
“I can’t wait to see what he will bring in the major 6pm news bulletin,” he said.
Senior Robert Ovadia was fired by Channel Seven after 23 years at the network
Veteran TV news producer Richard Cunningham (right) leaves Seven after 36 years, where he worked with David Koch (left)
Commenting on his new appointment, Mr Power said: “The opportunity to lead the Seven News Sydney team in this next chapter is incredibly exciting.”
“We have the best journalists, producers, camera operators and editors in the country, in a new, state-of-the-art studio and newsroom, and we will continue to put our audiences first as we tell the stories that matter most to Sydney.”
In other changes at Seven, Holly Fallon will take on the role of executive producer of Weekend Sunrise, while Chloe Flynn will remain executive producer of The Morning Show.
Veteran TV news producer Richard Cunningham is leaving Seven after 36 years.
Mr. Cunningham joined the network after a 20-year career in the newspaper industry, including work as a correspondent in New York and London.
Anthony De Ceglie, director of news and current affairs and editor-in-chief of Channel Seven, Seven West Media (pictured right with former WA Prime Minister Mark McGowan) has moved across the country for his new role
The latest changes at Seven in the wake of the damning sex and drugs allegations in the network’s flagship current affairs programme, Spotlight, following an interview with Bruce Lehrmann (pictured)