Channel 7 loses yet another reporter

Channel 7 has lost yet another on-screen journalist with Steve Hart announcing his decision to quit for a rival network.

7News has lost one of its veteran journalists to a rival network.

Journalist Steve Hart has announced his departure from the network to join WIN News in Wollongong.

The news was revealed in an internal email to staff on Tuesday, which cited “family reasons” as the driving force behind Hart’s decision.

Hart, who first joined the network back in 2022 after leaving Network 10, will have his last day on September 11.

7News journalist Steve Hart has announced that he is leaving the network. Picture: Facebook.

It marks the latest in a string of high-profile departures from the embattled Brisbane newsroom.

According to Courier Mail, Hart’s wife has been living in Sydney, and his regular weekend commutes to be with her have played a significant role in his choice to relocate closer to his family.

It comes after sports presenter Shane Webcke announced his decision to depart the 7News desk in January.

It’s been a tough year for the network, which recently saw a wave of redundancies, and saw the likes of Sharyn Ghidella and weatherman Paul Burt leave in July.

However, it’s believed that the latest two exits are unrelated.

In July, it was reported that Seven West Media is in the process of slashing headcounts at bureaus nationwide by 150 people following a drastic industry-wide downturn in free-to-air TV audiences and advertising revenue.

Channel 7 weatherman Paul Burt recently gave his final report for the network telling viewers "that's what happens when your sacked." Picture: 7.

According to an insider who spoke with Courier Mail, the Brisbane redundancies were especially “brutal” and “cold”, leaving staff morale “destroyed”. Among those shown the door were two cameramen, a long serving technical employee, a news producer as well as other behind-the-scenes-staff.

Meanwhile, back in April, News and Current Affairs director Craig McPherson, managing director James Warburton, commercial director Bruce McWilliam, and Spotlight executive producer Mark Llewellyn all exited the company.

Veteran Seven reporter Robert Ovadia confirmed last month that he’d been sacked following allegations of “inappropriate conduct” towards a woman.

“Yes I’ve been sacked and there will be more to say about that in the appropriate forum at the appropriate time,” Ovadia told The Australian.

The Sydney-based reporter had worked at Seven for 23 years.