Ben Davis’ shock departure from Channel 7 as staff changes continue

The bloodletting continues at Channel 7, with the shock departure of a long-serving department head.

Channel 7 continues to ring in the staff changes.

• History of Qld TV scandals

The bloodletting continues at Channel 7, with the shock departure of respected sports department head Ben Davis.

Davis, who first walked into Seven’s Mt-Cootha headquarters 30 years ago, has been told his contract will not be renewed.

The 50-year-old father of three officially announced the news on social media at noon on Wednesday.

“Naturally I’m disappointed but as it was explained to me, this was nothing to do with performance, ability, or talent – it’s just business,” Davis wrote on LinkedIn.

When contacted by The Courier-Mail, Davis said he was confident he would find new employment, particularly with the Olympic and Paralympic Games on the horizon.

“There’s so much happening in Queensland in the lead up to 2032,” he said.

“I’ve never seen so much excitement, vibrance and potential for our state. I’m really looking forward to playing a role in driving that.”

Ben Davis will leave Channel 7. Picture: Supplied

Davis, who will finish at Seven at the end of February, is one of many high profile media personalities no longer with the network as massive cost-cutting continues.

Long-standing newsreader Sharyn Ghidella was brutally axed last July – after 17 years with Seven – and was quickly snapped by 10 News First.

Weeks before that, veteran weather man Paul Burt was also let go, saying he was given 55 seconds to say his goodbyes after being with the network since 2013.

In September, news director Michael Coombes departed and has since been replaced by ex-10 staffer Erin Edwards.

In November, Seven scrapped its Gold Coast news bulletin, redeploying anchor Steve Titmus, father of star Olympian Ariarne Titmus, to the sports desk in Brisbane. He has replaced rugby league great Shane Webcke, who opted to leave to focus on running his family farm.

Late last year reporter Rachel Baxter left to join the LNP’s media unit, and crime reporter Jordan Bissell moved into PR citing the “mental toll” the industry could take.

Unconfirmed reports estimate up to 150 staff have left Seven nationally in recent times, and have not been replaced.

Ben Davis has covered sport for decades.

Ben Davis, an Australian sports presenter and reporter with Ch7, with Ricky Ponting, Australian cricketer - Photo Supplied

Ben Davis has had a stellar career with the network, with only a four-year break to present on 4BC radio from 2014-2018.

He was lured back to Seven by Pat Welsh, one of Davis’s many mentors along with Kay McGrath, and promoted to Head of Sport upon Welsh’s retirement in late 2022.

In a poignant statement on LinkedIn, Davis said: “The true sign of a champion is how they get off the canvas …” For years I’ve used the words of (Muhammad) Ali to help others, now they’re helping guide me into a new professional pathway.

Ben and wife Rebecca Davis. Picture: Instagram

“Naturally I’m disappointed my contract with Seven News wasn’t renewed, but as it was explained to me, this was nothing to do with performance, ability or talent – it’s just business. And what a business it’s been.

“Over the last three decades I’ve had the privilege of being on the sideline of sporting history, and welcomed into your home to share it – something this kid from Corinda will never take for granted.

“I’m grateful and humbled to have been given the opportunity to learn at the feet of giants like Pat Welsh, Kay McGrath, Sharyn Ghidella and David Fordham, while working in the Playgrounds of the Gods – Suncorp Stadium, The Gabba, MCG, Lord’s and Old Trafford.

“The friendships and relationships forged on either side of the camera and microphone still last to this day.

“While I’ve reported on, and worked with, some of the best teams on the planet – it’s the team at home who’s had the biggest impact.

“I’m eternally grateful for the support of my amazingly talented, beautiful, and sport-mad wife Beck – who sacrificed so much for my career as we raised three stunning humans we’re so proud to call our children.

“They are my family. They are my team. While the whistle’s blown here, there’s still trophies and medals to be won, and we can’t wait for that challenge to kick-off.

“The Journey is the reward” – Phil Jackson (Chicago Bulls)”

Ms Edwards told The Courier-Mail Davis was “a master storyteller, who informed and entertained our viewers for decades”.

“I’m grateful to Ben for his incredible contribution to 7News Brisbane. I wish him well.”

Originally published as Ben Davis’ shock departure from Channel 7 as staff changes continue