Channel Seven has been a subject of scrutiny for the past months after a series of layoffs and departures.

The newsroom's revolving door continues to spin as another seasoned journalist bids farewell to the network.

Journalist Steve Hart announced his planned departure from 7News after two years. His last day at the network will be on 11 September.

Hart shared that he will be joining Wollongong's WIN News.

This move has raised eyebrows and questions about one of Australia's leading broadcasters.

Steve Hart has been a part of Channel Seven for two years. Image Credit: Facebook/7News Australia

Hart joined Channel Seven in 2022 after his stint at Channel 10.

Hart's decision to leave the network was shared through an internal email.

Hart highlighted 'family reasons' as the primary motivation for his departure and transition to WIN News.

Hart's wife resides in Sydney, and his regular weekend commutes have significantly influenced his choice to move.

This personal decision underscored the often-overlooked aspect of the broadcasting industry, where personal life could weigh heavily on career decisions.

His departure is the most recent high-profile exit from the network's newsroom, signalling a period of significant change within the organisation.

In recent news, sports presenter Shane Webcke left the news desk as he wanted to focus more on his family's agricultural business.

The network also saw the departures of other notable figures, such as Samantha Armytage, who left the Channel Seven after a 21-year run.

The unexpected removal of weatherman Paul Burt from the network also sparked speculation among industry professionals and spectators.

Last April, several Seven Network executives—including News and Current Affairs director Craig McPherson, managing director James Warburton, commercial director Bruce McWilliam, and Spotlight executive producer Mark Llewellyn—exited the company.

According to reports, Seven West Media has been grappling with a significant downturn in free-to-air TV audiences and advertising revenue.

To cope with expenses, several behind-the-scenes staff, including camera operators and producers, were laid off from the network.

The rise of digital platforms and changing consumer habits reshaped the way news is produced and consumed.

For the professionals within the industry, these shifts often mean tough choices and new beginnings.

It's a reminder that the news industry is not just about the stories being reported but also about the people who tell them.

Key Takeaways

• 7News journalist Steve Hart has decided to leave Channel Seven for family reasons and is set to join Wollongong's WIN News.
• This departure marked another loss for Channel Seven's newsroom, which has seen multiple high-profile departures.
• Multiple departures and layoffs saw many presenters and behind-the-scenes staff leave the network, including weatherman Paul Burt among others.
• Channel Seven has been facing a challenging year due to declining free-to-air TV audiences and advertising revenue.

What do you think of these significant changes happening in the Seven Network? We invite you to share your thoughts in the comments section below.

 

[DLHM]

• Channel Seven has been facing a challenging year due to declining free-to-air TV audiences and advertising revenue.

I think that sums up the reason for so many recent departures.

 

[Barbara V]

Most of the free to air channels suck anyway it's repeat after repeat or yucky reality shows. You get fed up up with the same uninteresting hosts those that do a good job disappear

 

[CliffE]

Channel 7 has been scraping the bottom of their many barrels so much that they have gone right through and they're left just looking into their holes.

 

[CliffE]

Umm, there is something grammatically wrong with the above, maybe I'm just mentally constipated, perhaps I should borrow one of their barrels or go lie down, but I've got too much to do at the moment.

 

[Nana Zorak]

As I have been sick this week with ,flu I have also not been getting my updates every day from SDC. This is sad as I can't concentrate on anything. Every thing seems to go wrong at once as the rent will go up in November by $70.00 a week & as 2 pensioners we just can't afford it.but we will have to pay. I just don't know how we will manage! It isn't as if this house is a mansion. It isn't it is far too small for us to begin with.