Speculation is mounting that one of Australian television's most familiar faces, Seven News veteran Mark Ferguson, could be reducing his weekly on-air commitments. The move is reportedly part of the network's response to financial pressures and an intense battle for ratings dominance with rival Channel Nine.
Rumoured Schedule Change for News Veteran
The 59-year-old newsreader, who presents alongside Angela Cox, is rumoured to be scaling back from presenting five nights a week to just four. While the exact new schedule is unconfirmed, it is believed he will work either from Sunday to Wednesday or Monday to Thursday.
An industry insider suggested Ferguson may have agreed to a pay reduction to help alleviate financial strain at the network. "It sounds like Mark has taken a pay reduction. Revenue is down, so that's what happens and Mark wouldn't be in a position to refuse," the source claimed. However, a spokesperson for Seven Network stated firmly that no official announcement has been made to newsroom staff regarding any change.
A Turbulent Backdrop for Australian Broadcast News
This potential reduction for Ferguson follows a year of significant upheaval across Australian newsrooms, characterised by widespread cost-saving measures, format alterations, and restructuring. The sector has also witnessed several high-profile resignations.
The rumours emerge in the wake of intense scrutiny faced by rival network Nine over its coverage of the tragic Bondi massacre. Key points of criticism included:
- Reports, denied by the network, that presenter Georgie Gardner was 'reluctant' to go live over fears of appearing alarmist.
- Broadcasting Celebrity Tipping Point after its 6pm news bulletin instead of continuing rolling coverage of the breaking news.
- Chief anchor Peter Overton, who reportedly earns around $1 million annually, appearing on air only once during the critical week. A TV insider called this "a missed opportunity."
Several Nine reporters also faced public backlash. Gold Coast journalist Luke Bradnam was criticised for playing golf near a memorial for the victims, while Leila McKinnon was condemned online for interrupting a former lifeguard as he tried to name those who helped during the attack.
Network Defence and Industry Strain
In response to the criticism, a Nine spokeswoman defended the network's coverage, stating they were "proud of its accurate, timely and factual coverage" and had thrown "enormous resources" into their reporting of the event.
The situation underscores the fierce rivalry and financial pressures shaping Australian television news. As networks navigate declining revenues and a competitive landscape, changes to established schedules and the roles of veteran presenters like Mark Ferguson appear to be on the table. The industry watches closely to see if Seven will make the rumoured schedule change official.
