Seven News Implements Strategic Schedule Change Amid Fierce Ratings Competition
In a significant reshuffle of its flagship news programming, Channel Seven has adjusted the on-air schedules of two of its most recognisable Sydney anchors. Veteran newsreader Mark Ferguson, aged 60, and his co-presenter Angela Cox have seen their roles reduced from five nights a week to four. This strategic move sees them stepping back from the highly competitive Thursday night 6pm bulletin.
A Calculated Handover to Boost Weekend Presence
The coveted Thursday evening slot has now been handed over to the pairing of Michael Usher and Angie Asimus. According to reports from Sydney Confidential, Ferguson and Cox will now exclusively front the news from Sunday through to Wednesday. Television insiders have characterised this change not as a demotion, but as a tactical adjustment designed to refresh the end-of-week programming and attract more viewers.
"It gives the weekend team a bit more weight and presence during the week, which helps on weekends," a source explained. "This isn't a demotion for anyone. It's more about flexibility and making the overall line-up feel stronger and even more competitive across the full week."
Early Results and Underlying Financial Pressures
The network is already reportedly seeing positive results from this realignment. A recent extended news bulletin featuring Michael Usher and Mark Riley achieved an average audience of 1.216 million across Seven and its streaming platform, 7plus. This figure represented a 3 per cent victory over the competing A Current Affair on Channel Nine, which drew 1.181 million viewers.
This schedule change follows months of speculation that began late last year, hinting at Ferguson potentially reducing his on-air commitments. The rumours emerged as the network navigated significant cost pressures and an intense rivalry with Channel Nine. At the time, a Seven spokesperson denied any formal announcement had been made to newsroom staff.
Speculation Surrounding Pay and Network Finances
Industry insiders have suggested that financial considerations played a role in the decision. One source indicated that Ferguson may have accepted a pay reduction to alleviate financial strain at the network. "It sounds like Mark has taken a pay reduction," the insider stated. "Revenue is down, so that's what happens and Mark wouldn't be in a position to refuse."
The exact new schedule for Ferguson and Cox remains partially unconfirmed, with it still unknown whether they will work from Sunday to Wednesday or Monday to Thursday. Daily Mail Australia has contacted Channel Seven for further comment on the restructuring and its implications for the news team's long-term strategy in the cutthroat Sydney television market.
