Veteran journalist Steve Hart leaves Channel 7 for rival network

Channel 7’s Brisbane newsroom is set for yet another shake-up following the high profile departure of a veteran journalist set to join a rival network.

7News Brisbane has suffered another significant loss with veteran journalist Steve Hart announcing his departure from the network to join WIN News in Wollongong.

The news, revealed in an internal email to staff on Tuesday, cited “family reasons” as the driving force behind Hart’s decision.

Hart’s exit is the latest in a series of high-profile departures from the embattled Brisbane newsroom.

It is understood that Hart’s wife has been living in Sydney, and his regular weekend commutes to be with her have played a significant role in his choice to relocate closer to his family.

7News's Steve Hart. Photo: Supplied.

Hart, who joined the Seven Network in 2022 after making his mark as a respected crime reporter at Network 10, will have his last day with 7News on September 11.

Hart’s departure marks the second significant exit from 7News Brisbane this month.

Last week, sports presenter Shane Webcke announced his decision to step back from the newsdesk in January, following discussions with management to reduce his work hours and focus on his family’s agricultural business.

In his farewell statement, Webcke reflected on his 18 year tenure at the network, expressing gratitude for the opportunities and support he has received. “It’s something I’ve been thinking about for a while, to allow me greater flexibility and more time to pursue my family agricultural interests,” he said.

The departure of both Hart and Webcke is understood to be unrelated to the recent wave of redundancies at Seven, which saw the exit of high-profile figures like Sharyn Ghidella and weatherman Paul Burt in July.

Channel 7 Brisbane newsreader Sharyn Ghidella reading her final news bulletin on Tuesday, July 9.

Channel 7 weatherman Paul Burt gives his final report for the network telling viewers "that's what happens when your sacked."

These cuts were part of a broader cost-cutting initiative flagged earlier this year, which resulted in the loss of 150 jobs across the network.

Since being sacked by the Seven Network last month, Ghidella has announced that she will be joining Network 10 starting in September.

Ghidella will anchor 10’s 5pm Queensland news bulletin, marking a significant shift as the show returns to Brisbane after years of being broadcast from Sydney.