Major shake-up to Channel 7 program

Veteran newsreader Mark Ferguson will co-anchor Seven’s Sydney news with Angela Cox after weeks of speculation over the direction of the flagship bulletin.

There had been speculation that the 58-year-old Fergusoncould be moved aside after news and current affairs director Anthony De Ceglie took over.

Cox had sat in for Ferguson on the 6pm bulletin while he was on leave during the Olympics, broadcast on archrival Nine.

De Ceglie has made a number of changes since taking over the role, including axing popular Brisbane newsreader Sharyn Ghidella.

But Ferguson has survived, but will now share the desk with Cox, who has been promoted from co-anchoring the weekend bulletin with Michael Usher.

“I’m really looking forward to it. Ange will add so much extra to the bulletin each night – more experience, more energy and it will allow us to be much more versatile when that big stories break,” Ferguson said.

“In some ways it’s a fresh start for me, I’ve never really co-presented before so I’m hoping Ange can teach this older dog some new tricks.

“We have a fantastic team in the Sydney newsroom focused on covering what matters most to Sydney each and every night. This move will only help.”

Ferguson said Cox was a “talented journalist, a great presenter and an even greater person”.

Cox has been with 7News for two decades and was previously in the US Bureau for seven years.

The move has left Cox “thrilled”, with the co-anchor eager to work alongside Ferguson.

“Mark’s warmth, integrity and authority behind the newsdesk has rightfully earned him a loyal following,” Cox said.

“He’s also a great bloke, always professional, very funny and a great husband and family man.

“The news landscape has changed so much. The way we consume news is radically different now than even 10 years ago and 7News is evolving too. Exciting times ahead.”

De Ceglie said the move marked a “new and fresh approach” for the network’s flagship Sydney bulletin.

“Mark Ferguson is an institution and deservedly one of the most trusted news voices in Australia,” De Ceglie said.

“This new co-anchor approach brings a new sense of dynamism, innovation and flexibility to the hour-long program and I am incredibly excited to see Mark and Angela Cox work together.”

The pair both began their careers in Tamworth in NSW’s northeast, with Ferguson and Cox sharing nearly 70 years of journalism experience between them.

Ferguson has worked with the network for a decade and recently celebrated 40 years in the industry.

Mr Ferguson and Ms Cox’s first appearance on-air together will be Sunday 8 September.

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