Channel Seven staff face pay cuts amid mass redundancies

While many high-profile faces are safe — for now — it is believed some Channel 7 employees will and have taken a considerable pay cut in order to keep their position.

The mass redundancies taking place at Seven has prompted Sunday Confidential to take a look at the status of some of the network’s most high profile talent.

While many high-profile faces are safe, for now, it is believed some will and have taken a considerable pay cut in order to keep their position.

Others may only be on the books until the end of the year.

Many claim Sydney 6pm newsreader Mark Ferguson’s time is almost up, with the 58-year-old this week starting six weeks of forced annual leave.

During this time, the new head of Seven West Media’s newsroom, Anthony De Ceglie, is going to “trial” a number of hosts in the hot seat to settle on a working formula.

Channel 7 newsreader Mark Ferguson. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Channel Seven’s Angela Cox. Picture: Jonathan Ng

New head of Seven West Media’s newsroom Anthony De Ceglie.

Those who will take to Ferguson’s chair include Michael Usher, Angela Cox and Angie Asimus.

“They will likely make Fergo see out his contact, but chances are it won’t be renewed,” an insider said.

Former Sunrise host David Koch is off contract at the end of the year, with his agent Sean Anderson spotted at Seven headquarters this month. While Seven executives “rate Koch highly”, his contract will likely not be renewed.

Ch 7 news weather presenter Angie Asimus. Picture: Jeremy Piper

Former Sunrise host David Koch.

Also at Sunrise, Mark Baretta, a 20-year veteran at the network, inked a deal with Seven in November 2023 which would take him through to 2025.

However many say Baretta’s job is in question. If he re-signs, it’s likely with a pay cut.

Channel 7 veteran Mark Baretta.

Weekend Sunrise host Matt Doran.

Still at Sunrise, Natalie Barr is believed to have recently re-signed with the network, as has new Sunrise host Matt Shirvington, who is safe thanks to the fact, “he isn’t on a huge salary”.

A question mark remains over Weekend Sunrise host Matt Doran’s future with the company.

“They are in a pickle over there because there is so few staff and at the end of the day, they need someone to fill these on-air roles,” an insider said.

Nat Barr and Matt Shirvington on Sunrise.

Farmer Wants a Wife host Samantha Armytage. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Channel Seven’s Sonia Kruger. Picture: Richard Dobson

Samantha Armytage will reportedly be re-signed once again to continue as host of popular reality program, Farmer Wants a Wife.

According to many, all-round talent Sonia Kruger would have to be nervous, with her husband, Craig McPherson gone and the man who championed her, former CEO James Warburton also having left the company.

Kruger, who is rumoured to be on a $1.3 million contract, will likely remain with the network, “but will absolutely take a “haircut”,” said another insider.

Dancing With The Stars’ Dr Chris Brown.

Dr Chris Brown, who defected from Ten to Seven, is likely safe, however he is another whose large salary will likely take a hit.

For TV veteran and much-loved journalist Ann Sanders, many believe this will be her last year with the network.

“Management will absolutely let Ann leave on her terms. I believe her contract is up at the end of the year and she will likely finish up then on her terms.

Channel 7 journalist Ann Sanders.

Multiple staff within Seven claim they haven’t witnessed “such a bloodbath” in decades.

Ït’s like the hunger games at the moment,” one Seven insider said.

“No one knows if today is the day they get the tap on the shoulder.

“It is all about survival of the fittest.”

A Seven spokesperson on Saturday said: “We never comment on the contracts of individual employees. Any speculation is misguided and misleading.”

Around 150 redundancies have taken place at Seven in recent months, with journalists across all sectors, as well as sales and marketing positions, all on the chopping block.