Seven’s star news anchor Mark Ferguson steps back after reports he was facing the chop amid financial pressure and network rivalry
Sydney news anchor Mark Ferguson has had his role reduced from five nights behind the desk to four, along with his co-star Angela Cox.
The duo have stepped back from the Thursday night 6pm bulletin, handing over the competitive slot to Michael Usher and Angie Asimus.
Ferguson, 60, and Cox will now only be fronting the news from Sunday through to Wednesday, reported Sydney Confidential.
According to TV insiders, the shake-up is intended to give the end-of-week programs a new look in order to attract more viewers amid the tough ratings battle with Nine.
‘It gives the weekend team a bit more weight and presence during the week, which helps on weekends,’ they said.
‘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.’
Sydney news anchor Mark Ferguson, 60, has had his role reduced from five nights behind the desk to four, along with his co-star Angela Cox
They added Seven was already seeing results from the change-up, with a recent extended bulletin with Michael Usher and Mark Riley beating A Current Affair.
‘Seven’s extended news coverage [1900 to 1930] averaged 1.216m across Seven and 7plus. Number 1 in its timeslot, beating ACA [1.181m] by 3 per cent,’ the source said.
It comes just months after rumours began to swirl late last year that Seven News veteran Ferguson could be reducing his on-air schedule.
The change was said to be happening as the network navigated cost pressures and a fierce rivalry with Channel Nine.
The veteran newsreader was rumoured to be scaling back from five to four nights a week presenting alongside Cox, amid financial troubles at the network.
However, Seven said at the time that no such decision had yet been made.
‘No such announcement has been made to newsroom staff,’ a network spokesperson told The Daily Telegraph in December.
But an insider said Ferguson may have accepted a pay cut to ease financial pressure at the network.
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The duo have stepped back from the Thursday night 6pm bulletin, handing over the competitive slot to Michael Usher and Angie Asimus
Ferguson and Cox will now only be fronting the news from Sunday through to Wednesday, reported Sydney Confidential
‘It sounds like Mark has taken a pay reduction,’ they told the publication.
‘Revenue is down, so that’s what happens and Mark wouldn’t be in a position to refuse.
‘It’s not yet known whether he will work Sunday to Wednesday, or Monday to Thursday.’
Daily Mail has reached out to Seven for comment.
