Sydney Seven news shake-up: viewers given ‘a clear choice’ as Angela Cox takes on Peter Overton

It’s a move which has sparked endless industry chatter and speculation: With Mark Ferguson on annual leave, Angela Cox has sat solo in the hosting chair on Seven’s 6pm news.

Angela Cox reading the news on Channel 7 on Monday.

Is Angela Cox the new face of Channel 7 news in Sydney?

Her appearance solo reading the news on Monday and again on Tuesday night has caused much speculation within the industry as to the network’s big plans for the rising star and former US correspondent.

With Mark Ferguson on annual leave during what is essentially a ratings wasteland for Seven — thanks to Nine broadcasting the Olympics — the network is trialling several faces for Sydney’s prime time 6pm bulletin.

Many thought Seven would turn to the weekend anchor duo of Cox and Michael Usher for the prime gig.

But Cox being sent out solo has sent shockwaves through the industry, and is understood to have caught Nine off guard.

Angela Cox presenting Seven’s 6pm bulletin on Monday night.

Cox hosting solo presents a stark contrast to her Nine counterpart at 6pm in news stalwart Peter Overton.

“It’s a smart move. They are giving viewers a clear choice now,” one TV expert said.

“Either you go with a dynamic female or a familiar face that has been in the chair for a long time.”

Viewer ratings, which have shown Seven news lagging behind Nine in the race for numbers, would suggest the time is right for a new face at anchor.

Seven is also worried about its lead-in game show, The Chase, being resoundingly beaten by Nine’s Tipping Point in key capital cities like Sydney.

It is understood there are plans for Usher to become the national face of 7NEWS while continuing his work with current affairs show, Spotlight.

It is also believed Seven is confident Ferguson will sign a new contract with the network too – only adding to the intrigue over the future look of the 6pm bulletin.

Mark Ferguson at Seven’s Eveleigh studios.

Michael Usher. Picture: Jonathan Ng

There has been much change at Seven under the leadership of new Director of News and Current Affairs Anthony De Ceglie, who has proven unafraid to put young up-and-coming talent into the spotlight.

Most changes, though, have been behind the scenes.

Sunrise executive producer Sean Power has become Director of News in Sydney.

Jake Lyle is the new EP of Sunrise, 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.

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, which goes head-to-head with Nine’s 60 Minutes.