Rebecca Maddern Appointed Chief Sports Presenter for Seven News Amid Channel Seven Restructuring
Rebecca Maddern has been appointed as the chief sports presenter for Seven News starting in 2025. This newly-created role will have her presenting the nightly sports report in Melbourne, transitioning from her current position as co-presenter at 4pm on weekends. This change comes amidst significant staffing shifts at Channel Seven, including the retirement of veteran anchor Tim Watson and departures of other key reporters, indicating a period of transformation within the network.
Rebecca Maddern has been appointed as Seven's chief sports presenter, effective in 2025. This announcement, confirmed on Saturday, marks a significant career shift for the respected sports journalist, who will present the nightly sports report for Seven Melbourne.
Rebecca Maddern's New Role at Seven Melbourne
In her new position, Rebecca Maddern will transition from her current role as co-presenter of 7News at 4pm on weekends, working alongside Mike Amor. She will now be responsible for presenting sports news from Monday to Friday. The role is seen as a natural progression for Maddern, who expressed her excitement about combining her passion for sports and journalism.
Impending Changes at Channel Seven
The announcement of Maddern's new role comes amid a significant reshuffle at Channel Seven. There are speculations about rival networks eyeing some of the network's prominent news anchors, particularly following Sharnelle Vella's unexpected move to ABC Radio Melbourne. Reports suggest that headhunters are becoming increasingly interested in the talented personnel within Channel Seven's news division, although specific names have not been disclosed.
Tim Watson's Departure from Channel Seven
The changes within the network further include Tim Watson's retirement, after an impressive three-decade career at Channel Seven. During a recent bulletin, Watson announced his departure would occur in December, emphasizing his gratitude for the experiences he has had at the network. He stated that he has enjoyed working alongside a dedicated team and delivering sports news to viewers.
Impact of Sharnelle Vella's Move to ABC
Sharnelle Vella’s transition to the ABC has created a ripple effect within Channel Seven, as the network has only a short time to find her replacement. Vella's departure follows a notable appearance on the investigative program Spotlight, where she secured an important interview. As she embarks on her new role at ABC Radio Melbourne, she plans to spend her remaining weeks at Channel Seven bidding farewell to her colleagues.
