Channel 7 newsreader Mark Ferguson to take leave during Paris Olympics

One of Seven’s most-loved faces is taking an unexpected break from our screens this month. Read why here.

Channel 7 is believed to be pushing for Mark Ferguson to renew his contract with the network, although he will be off air later this month.

Confidential understands Seven is forcing staff with excess leave to take holidays due to ongoing cost cuts across the media sector, and it was thought the Olympics period was a good time for Ferguson to take a break from reading Sydney’s 6pm news.

Seven’s new Director of News and Current Affairs Anthony De Ceglie was heard telling staff he wanted to use the time to give other presenters experience in the hot seat.

A few months into his new job, De Ceglie has quickly become known for not being afraid to put young up-and-coming talent into the spotlight.

Some have even labelled Seven’s next generation talent ‘the Romper Room’ which they are believe to be wearing as a badge of honour as they embrace the difficult and changing times of media.

7NEWS Sydney team Angie Asimus, Mark Ferguson and Mel McLaughlin. Picture: Richard Dobson

The Olympics will be broadcast on rival Nine, and Seven has experienced a decline in ratings over recent months, meaning now is the time to mix it up.

Insiders suggest people to take to Ferguson’s chair will include the usuals like Michael Usher and Angela Cox, as well as weather presenter Angie Asimus and perhaps even Sunrise all-star Edwina Bartholomew.

Michael Usher. Picture: John Feder

Weather presenter and journalist Angie Asimus.

It comes after a series of major changes behind the scenes at Seven, with Sunrise executive producer Sean Power moving to Director of News in Sydney.

Jake Lyle is the new EP of Sunrise while Holly Fallon is the new head of Weekend Sunrise and Chloe Flynn remains at The Morning Show.

They report to Director of Morning Television Sarah Stinson, a close ally of De Ceglie.

In May, it was announced De Ceglie had poached rising star Gemma Williams from Nine to take the helm at the beleaguered Spotlight current affairs program that goes head-to-head with 60 Minutes.

Williams replaced Mark Llewellyn, who resigned following damaging claims about how the current affairs show secured the controversial Bruce Lehrmann interview.

Angela Cox. Picture: Jonathan Ng

Edwina Bartholomew. Picture: Justin Lloyd

It is unusual for a prime time newsreader to take holidays mid-year because they would tend to take that time off over the Christmas and New Year break.

It is understood, however, that Ferguson, who is off contract, has a large bank of leave on the books and he won’t be the only Seven star across the country being told to get their holidays under control.

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