The Scoop: Latest comings and goings at Channel 7 Brisbane
Former Channel 7 Brisbane news director Michael Coombes has resurfaced in the media industry, as his replacement is revealed. WE’VE GOT THE SCOOP
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Former Channel 7 Brisbane news director Michael Coombes has resurfaced in the media industry after a whirlwind year for the network, marked by high-profile departures and controversy.
Coombes, whose exit from Seven in September sparked a flurry of speculation, has now joined Elevate, a marketing communications agency, as a media specialist.
The agency’s website touts his impressive 30-year career, highlighting his expertise in strategic planning, crisis management, and storytelling across print and broadcast journalism.
“Michael has been on the frontline of the media industry’s transformation, adopting emerging technologies and platforms for content distribution,” his profile reads.
It also notes his leadership roles, including serving as chief of staff for the internationally awarded broadcast of the Beijing Olympics.
Coombes’s departure from Channel 7 in September followed a turbulent period for the network, which faced nationwide cost-cutting measures resulting in the loss of over 150 staff. Queensland casualties included popular presenter Sharyn Ghidella and weatherman Paul Burt. Ghidella has since transitioned to 10 News First, where she anchors the 5pm bulletin.
Adding to the network’s woes was an explosive ABC Four Corners report in August, exposing allegations of a toxic workplace culture at Channel 7.
Since Coombes’ exit, Erin Edwards has been named the new Brisbane and Gold Coast news director, effective 2025.
Edwards will leave her current role as executive editor at 10 News First Queensland to take up the position.
DISGRACED VC WINNER’S NEW LIFE IN BRISBANE
Disgraced former Australian soldier Ben Roberts-Smith has been spotted out in public again, marking his second major appearance since a defamation case found it was true he committed war crimes, including murder.
He was seen at James Street’s Pottery Barn during the week, loading boxed items into the boot of his luxury Audi in the rain, with assistance from store staff at the loading dock.
This outing follows his high-profile appearance at Mr Percival’s bar at Howard Smith Wharves last weekend.
Dressed in a tight polo shirt, the towering figure mingled with patrons before leaving around 10.30pm.
He was seen “dapping up” and chatting with Brisbane cricketer Chris Lynn near the exit.
Earlier that evening, Roberts-Smith attended a Brisbane Bullets game in the VIP Coopers area. Scoop insiders speculate that he may frequent Bullets games, as his partner Sarah Matulin took on the role of Marketing Media Manager for the team in September.
Sources suggest he and Lynn may have met there, as the two appeared unfamiliar early in the night.
Despite his controversial past, Roberts-Smith was reportedly a focal point at the game’s VIP area, drawing attention from many in attendance.
HOLE-Y MOLEY! CELEB SPOTTED IN SWANKY HOTEL
One of Australia’s most loved reality stars was spotted with a potential new boo at a swanky Brissy establishment at the weekend.
Callum Hole – known for his escapades on Love Island, Aussie Shore, and I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here! – was spotted in the pool at Brisbane’s most luxurious hotel, The Calile, on Sunday afternoon getting pretty cosy with Gold Coast TikToker Sasha Morpeth.
Scoop’s sources said the pair were laughing, joking and flirting in the pool outside restaurant Hellenika while enjoying a drink, and the chemistry was palpable.
A quick internet sleuth shows the duo had just returned from a trip to Fiji with Unleashed Grad Trips, where Morpeth wasn’t shy on her socials about spending time with the Welsh reality TV star who now calls Australia home.
Morpeth is best known for her TikTok videos with her (equally gorgeous) mum, where the pair make skits around her mum’s trips to “the country club”. She has amassed a following of more than 4 million fans.
Whether it’s a whirlwind Summer romance or the real deal, they sure make a smoking hot couple.
REYNO’S SNEAKY SHOE OBSESSION
Brisbane Broncos captain Adam Reynolds has offered fans an exclusive look inside his wardrobe, unveiling a jaw-dropping collection of 146 pairs of sneakers valued at an estimated $23,360.
The NRL star, proudly embracing his “sneakerhead” status, shared a glimpse of his meticulously organised collection on Instagram, featuring rows of neatly stacked shoe boxes, predominantly from Nike.
To put the scale of his collection into perspective, the average pair of Nike running shoes in Australia costs about $160 AUD, underscoring the magnitude of Reynolds’ impressive footwear line-up.
While the collection’s estimated value is eye-watering, it’s likely the Broncos skipper didn’t pay for most of the sneakers, with many likely gifted by sponsors or collaborators — a perk of being a professional athlete.
The post quickly drew attention from Reynolds’ teammates and friends, with playful banter filling the comments.
Kurt Capewell said, “Anything to cover those stink feet of yours,” while Billy Walters chimed in, “If only I was a kids’ size 12, I could borrow some shoes.”
HOME IS WHERE THE HUNT IS
Brisbane Broncos’ high-profile recruit Ben Hunt is already under fire from fans, not for his performance on the field but for where he might call home.
Despite representing Brisbane on the NRL’s biggest stage, speculation is mounting that Hunt and his family are planning to live outside the city after his highly anticipated shift from St George-Illawarra on a two-year deal.
Fuelling the backlash is an Instagram story posted by Hunt’s wife, Bridget, earlier this week. She asked followers, “Does anybody know/have any real estate friends at the GC? Burleigh/Palm Beach area,” leading fans to believe the couple may choose the Gold Coast over Brisbane.
If Hunt does choose to live on the Goldy he won’t be the only Broncos player to do the commute.
While the couple still owns a four-bedroom rental property in Bridgeman Downs, northwest of Brisbane, it seems unlikely they’ll return there.
Earlier this year, the Hunts also purchased a $2.7 million property in Bangalow, northern NSW — an hour from the Gold Coast and two hours from Brisbane.
The controversy comes just 16 days after the Broncos announced Hunt’s contract, which has since been officially registered by the NRL salary cap auditor.
VETERAN JOURNO BACK IN QUEENSLAND
Veteran journalist and presenter Davina Smith is making a return to her roots, joining A Current Affair in Queensland after more than a decade in Sydney.
The move marks a significant career shift for the familiar face of Nine’s Morning and Afternoon News and frequent Today Extra news presenter.
Smith’s return coincides with her desire to spend more time with her husband Mark and their two daughters while continuing her 13-year career with the Nine Network.
Originally from Toowoomba, Smith began her journalism journey at Nine News Queensland in 2002 before reporting for WIN News across regional hubs like Rockhampton, Toowoomba, and the Sunshine Coast.
She rejoined Nine Brisbane in 2011, presenting the weekend weather and filling in as a newsreader during major events such as the 2011 Queensland floods. In 2014, Smith relocated to Sydney, where she fronted Nine’s national Morning and Sydney Afternoon News while regularly providing updates for Today Extra.
Her return to Queensland and her new role with A Current Affair has already sparked chatter within Nine, with some insiders hinting at potential friction in the newsroom.
Despite her on-camera popularity, rumours suggest Smith may not be well-liked behind the scenes — a claim yet to be addressed by the network.
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