A Channel Seven star has announced her departure from the Melbourne newsroom amid the network's recent staffing carnage. Weekend weather presenter Sonia Marinelli announced this week she would be leaving her role after three years in the position.
'I am stepping away from my role at 7News. My husband and I have decided to make a sea-change,' she said in a statement. 'We will be taking our four young children on an adventure up the east coast. This decision has been years in the making. After spending most of my TV news career talking about our weather, I’m excited to get out and actually enjoy it with those I love most.'
Despite recent rumors of potential cuts at the network, Seven clarified to the Herald Sun stating Marinelli left on her own terms. 'Seven has been a wonderful home for the past four years. I will miss my friends and colleagues here dearly, but I am ready and excited for new opportunities.'
Marinelli is just the latest among the series of popular presenters fleeing Channel Seven over the past year. Senior 7News reporter Steve Hart also announced his departure, citing 'family reasons' as reported by the Courier Mail. Hart will be moving to WIN News in Wollongong, with factors including his wife's location and his lengthy weekly commutes prompting the decision to move on.
Adding to the shake-up, Shane Webcke, another familiar face on the Channel, revealed his plan to step back from the sports news desk. Webcke's announcement last week confirmed he would be leaving his post effective January 2025, though he plans to remain with Seven for guest appearances, providing NRL insights.
'I am stepping away from my role at 7News. After 18 years presenting sport for 7News Brisbane, I've made the decision to take a slightly new direction and from January I'll be stepping back from the news desk,' he said. Webcke noted his desire to spend more time with family and to pursue his agricultural interests, highlighting the changing landscapes of personal priorities among the network's staff.
Recently, Channel Seven has faced significant turmoil, with management announcing the cutting of 150 editorial staff as part of cost-reduction efforts. This included the termination of big names like Queensland newsreader Sharyn Ghidella and veteran weatherman Paul Burt. According to sources, the newly appointed news and current affairs boss, Anthony De Ceglie, has been actively making sweeping changes including the replacement of section leaders with younger managers and introducing new content formats.
Webcke's departure follows the pattern of reduced duties or exits by several colleagues amid what is being described as the network's cost-cutting bloodbath. 'It's something I've been thinking about for a long time,' he said, clearly indicating the need for work-life balance found by many presenters as they reevaluate their roles within the competitive industry.
Channel Seven's recent management shake-up has also seen the establishment of new news directors and executive producers across Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide. Among the changes slated was the introduction of unique segments such as Friday night comedy spots and even astrological features—a move indicative of the network's efforts to refresh its news offerings.
The trend of resignations from Channel Seven raises concerns about the future of the organization as it navigates both executive decision-making and presenter aspirations. With many familiar faces leaving, audiences might soon be faced with shifts not just at Channel Seven but throughout the media portrait of Australia.
While Marinelli expressed excitement about her pending adventures, the overall sentiment among the network's current and departing members reflects worries and aspirations. 'I’ve been treated so well over the last 18 years, and I'm grateful to Seven for supporting me through this next phase,' added Webcke, noting the bittersweet aspect of leaving behind what has been his longtime professional home.
These shifts undoubtedly signal larger systemic issues within the organization as it moves forward after years of maintaining its reputation as one of Australia's most prominent media outlets. Through the continuing changes spurred by economic pressures and personal journeys, the coming months will really define where Channel Seven stands and the kind of content it can realistically deliver moving forward.