Josh Adsett appointed as new Executive Editor of 10 News First QLD

A veteran journalist made redundant by a rival network earlier this year set to take reins at 10 News First Queensland amid renewed competition in the local market.

Josh Adsett will move into Executive Editor role at Network 10.

Network 10 has appointed veteran journalist Josh Adsett as Executive Editor for 10 News First Queensland, stepping into the role left vacant after Erin Edwards’ dramatic defection to Channel 7 in October.

Adsett, who spent five years as Chief of Staff at Seven’s Gold Coast bureau, is set to take the reins amid renewed competition in the Queensland news market.

He will helm 10 News First Queensland’s 5pm bulletin, overseeing the network’s team of journalists and production crew.

His appointment comes months after he was let go during Channel 7’s controversial June redundancies, a brutal shake-up that also claimed the jobs of weatherman Paul Burt, cameraman Geoff Bowden, and Brisbane news anchor Sharyn Ghidella.

Ghidella later joined 10 News First in September.

Adsett’s career resurgence is being hailed as a coup for Network 10.

Known for his coverage of Queensland’s natural disasters, including Cyclone Larry and the Brisbane floods, Adsett’s reputation as a trusted voice in Queensland journalism positions him as the network’s secret weapon in the local news wars.

Supplied image of Josh Adsett and 10 News First presenter Sharyn Ghidella. Josh Adsett announced as new Executive Editor at Network 10.

“Josh has everything that we pride ourselves on. He is a great journalist, a quality news maker, and a good person and leader,” Head of Broadcast News at Paramount Australia and New Zealand, Martin White said.

“He’s the perfect person to lead 10 News First Queensland into a new era.”

“I look forward to seeing the success he brings, as we continue to ramp up our investment in local news in Queensland.”

Adsett himself is determined to make an impact.

“A change has come to Queensland News, and 10 News First is meeting it head on. Our team is experienced and loyal, and I am excited to be a part of it,” he said.

“We have the most driven team of any news service. Presenters who deliver stories with strength, compassion, an intimate knowledge of their craft and the workings of our great state.

“We have a duty to keep our leaders to account, and highlight the incidents and achievements which impact the lives of us all.”

Born and raised in Brisbane, Josh’s career began in 1998 as a news reporter with 7 Local News in Mackay, before moving to the 7News Brisbane Gold Coast Bureau, where he quickly made his mark as a reporter, story producer, and Bureau Chief.

Adsett’s appointment comes on the heels of Edwards’ abrupt resignation in October.

After just 15 months at Network 10, Edwards announced that she would be returning to Seven to assume the role of Brisbane News Director.

Edwards’ return to Channel 7 coincides with a turbulent period for the network, including the departure of news director Michael Coombes and a damning Four Corners investigation into allegations of workplace bullying.

During her brief tenure at 10, she played a pivotal role in revitalising the Queensland bulletin, which had been broadcast from Sydney since 2020.

She also played a key role in securing Sharyn Ghidella for the network following her shock axing from Seven.

Adsett will begin his role at Network 10 effective immediately.

Meanwhile, Edwards will oversee a handover period that is expected to continue into the New Year.