Channel 7 is facing a growing crisis, with three of its prominent journalists abruptly resigning to join rival Network 10 in what’s being dubbed a “bloodbath” in the newsroom.
Senior 7News Sydney reporter Bill Hogan, seasoned foreign correspondent Amelia Brace, and Denham Hitchcock – a key figure in the network’s flagship current affairs show Spotlight – have all defected, according to The Australian. The trio will join a new long-form investigative unit at Network 10, led by head of broadcast news Martin White.
Brace and Hitchcock reportedly began their new roles on Monday, leaving Seven’s Martin Place offices just hours after resigning. Hogan is expected to follow suit after completing a three-week notice period.
Network 10, owned by US media giant Paramount since 2017, is bolstering its news division with a renewed focus on in-depth investigative reporting. The initiative is seen as an effort to compete with established programs such as the ABC’s Four Corners, Nine’s 60 Minutes and Channel 7’s own Spotlight.
Brace, whose new role comes with a reported $270,000 salary – a $50,000 jump from her Seven pay – bid farewell to colleagues last Friday with a candid message.
“It feels off to not have an official ‘last day’ to say goodbye,” she said, “but it’s best for me to just fade away for now. Stand up for yourselves, and each other… and think of me every time you have to find a f**king case study.”
Hitchcock’s move adds another layer of drama. Having returned to Spotlight in February after a sabbatical spent sailing with his family, he now departs again – this time for what he calls a full-circle moment. His father once worked at Channel 10, and Hitchcock shared his enthusiasm in a social media post.
“Well, here we go. I’ve switched channels,” he wrote. “But also in a way – I’ve come full circle. I grew up watching my father on Channel 10 News every night. I had a bunk bed with Eyewitness News stickers all over it – and can still sing the theme song.”
As the talent exodus accelerates, questions are mounting about the future of Seven’s news strategy – and whether the network can stem the flow of high-profile losses.
Images: Instagram, Network 10
