Seven’s star news anchor Mark Ferguson takes a break amid chop rumors

Sydney News Anchor Mark Ferguson’s Role Shift

Mark Ferguson, a well-known Sydney news anchor, has seen his role change from appearing on five nights a week to just four. Alongside his co-star Angela Cox, they have stepped back from the Thursday night 6pm bulletin, passing on the competitive slot to Michael Usher and Angie Asimus.

Ferguson, aged 60, and Cox will now be fronting the news from Sunday through to Wednesday. This change was reported by Sydney Confidential, highlighting the network’s efforts to revamp its end-of-week programs in order to attract more viewers amidst a tough ratings battle with Channel Nine.

According to TV insiders, the shake-up is aimed at giving the weekend team a bit more weight and presence during the week, which helps on weekends. They emphasized that this isn’t a demotion for anyone involved, but rather a move towards flexibility and making the overall line-up feel stronger and more competitive across the full week.

The insiders also mentioned that Seven was already seeing results from the change-up, with a recent extended bulletin featuring Michael Usher and Mark Riley beating A Current Affair. The extended news coverage from 1900 to 1930 averaged 1.216 million across Seven and 7plus, securing the number one spot in its timeslot, beating ACA by 3 per cent.

This development comes just months after rumors began to circulate late last year suggesting that Seven News veteran Ferguson could be reducing his on-air schedule. The change was said to be happening as the network navigated cost pressures and a fierce rivalry with Channel Nine.

Ferguson was rumored to be scaling back from five to four nights a week presenting alongside Cox, amid financial troubles at the network. However, Seven stated at the time that no such decision had yet been made. A network spokesperson told The Daily Telegraph in December that no such announcement had been made to newsroom staff.

But an insider suggested that Ferguson may have accepted a pay cut to ease financial pressure at the network. They told the publication, “It sounds like Mark has taken a pay reduction.” They added, “Revenue is down, so that’s what happens and Mark wouldn’t be in a position to refuse.”

It’s not yet known whether Ferguson will work Sunday to Wednesday, or Monday to Thursday. Daily Mail has reached out to Seven for comment.