Channel 9 reporter Laura Turner poached by rival network

Channel 7 is claiming a big win after pinching an experienced Channel 9 reporter to join its team, one of six new appointments to the Seven newsroom.

Channel 9 reporter Laura Turner is joining Channel 7.

Channel 7 is claiming a big win over its Channel 9 rival after poaching experienced reporter Laura Turner.

Turner, who has been a foreign correspondent and senior reporter, is one of six new appointments to the Seven newsroom with another producer/reporter from Nine in Sydney being “pinched” by the network.

Seven’s director of news Chris Salter sent an email to staff on Monday morning trumpeting the acquisitions, with the promise of more appointments to come.

In the note seen by the Herald Sun, he said the new Docklands headquarters coupled with the new appointments made Seven “the envy of the industry”.

“Ratings are up 14 per cent year on year — our bulletins are looking great — and we have a new newsroom/studio that’s the envy of the industry,’’ Salter wrote.

“We’ve never been better prepared for anything — we now just have to bring it home!”

Sharnelle Vella recently departed Channel 7 to join ABC radio.

Salter said the newsroom additions included Jordan Quinn from 7News Brisbane, Phoebe Worthley from Nine in Sydney, Sheri Smith from 7News Toowoomba and Turner.

It comes after Seven poached Xander McGuire from Nine to join its sports reporting team this year, and lost the experience of Abbey Gelmi and Laura Spurway.

The newsroom also lost the female talents of Sharnelle Vella, Jayde Vincent, Emma O’Sullivan and weather presenter Sonia Marinelli. Former Nine chief of staff Kate McGrath has also joined Seven.

“Laura (Turner) is a natural leader in our industry — she’s got a strong news sense and a passion for breaking and telling compelling stories,’’ Salter said.

“Her experience will be an enormous asset for us.”