Billionaire Kerry Stokes Hosts Lavish Lunch for Channel Seven Stars Amid Network Turmoil
Kerry Stokes hosted an extravagant lunch at his waterfront mansion in Sydney for key figures of Channel Seven, amid significant turmoil within the network. Attendees included prominent 7News anchors and executives, while several stars were absent due to work commitments. This gathering coincides with a major restructuring in the organization following recent layoffs and a drastic ratings decline, emphasizing a shift towards younger management.
Kerry Stokes, the billionaire owner of Channel Seven, hosted an extravagant lunch at his waterfront mansion in Darling Point, Sydney, on Friday, gathering prominent stars from the troubled TV network amid significant structural changes and challenges within the organization.
Key Figures Attend the Luxurious Gathering
The luxurious lunch attracted several notable figures from 7News, including weekend anchors Michael Usher and Angie Asimus. Usher, dressed in a navy suit and white shirt, and Asimus, wearing a sophisticated royal blue maxi dress, were among the charming attendees enjoying a long meal prepared by acclaimed chef Guillaume Brahimi. Other notable guests included Liam Barlett and executive producer Gemma Williams, alongside Chris Reason and the new Director of News and Current Affairs, Anthony De Ceglie, who appeared to be in high spirits.
Absentees Mark the Exclusive Event
While the event showcased a glitzy gathering of Channel Seven personalities, several stars were notably absent. Sunrise co-hosts Matt Shirvington and Natalie Barr could not attend, with Barr engaged in coverage of the US election in Washington DC and Shirvington reporting from the Sydney studio. Other missing faces included The Morning Show co-hosts Larry Emdur and Kylie Gillies.
Transformations at Channel Seven Amidst Ratings Challenges
This gathering comes as Channel Seven undergoes a significant reshuffle amidst ongoing challenges in ratings. Recent appointments include Usher and Asimus as co-anchors for the 6pm bulletin during weekends. Asimus continues to deliver the weather for Sydney’s news programs along with Mark Ferguson and Angela Cox, following the controversial departure of Sharyn Ghidella earlier this year.
Cost-Cutting Measures and Executive Changes at the Network
In a related strategic move, Sarah Greenhalgh has been appointed co-anchor for 7News Brisbane’s 6pm bulletin, while the network has made notable cuts to personnel. Recent layoffs total around 150 editorial staff members, affecting several well-known figures such as Ghidella and Queensland weatherman Paul Burt. Newly appointed news chief De Ceglie is revamping leadership roles across the network with a focus on bringing in younger talent while introducing innovative segments to programming.
High-Profile Dismissals and Future Aspirations
The restructuring has led to the dismissal of several high-profile employees, including Robert Ovadia and Andrew Frampton. Ovadia, renowned for his distinguished journalism, plans to take legal action against the network, claiming unfair dismissal. As Channel Seven navigates through these turbulent times, it aims to reinforce its position in the competitive media landscape while adapting to the evolving demands of its audience.
