Aussie news veteran retires

Channel Seven today announced that Seven News’ anchor Ian Ross will retire later this month and that Chris Bath will take over his role.

Since Ross took the helm of Seven News in Sydney in December 2003, it has become the city’s favourite news service. Ross, who has more than 50 years of broadcast journalism behind him, will read his final bulletin on Friday November 27.

“Of course, I have very mixed emotions right now,” said Ross. “Walking away from six amazing years with Seven News will not be easy. I have made many good friends among the hugely talented team of people with whom I’ve worked so closely. It’s going to be tough. But I know beyond doubt that the time is right and I’m looking forward to spending more time with friends and family and having the time to travel.

“It’s still hard to believe the Seven adventure proved to be such a success, coming as it did so late in my career. It was an enormous challenge and in some ways an enormous risk, for all of us involved. But it’s been an unforgettable experience for me and I’m so proud to have been part of it.

“It will be easier for me to walk away knowing I’m leaving the job in such good hands. Chris Bath is such a great communicator and a presenter who already enjoys the respect and affection of Sydney’s TV audience. She has nothing to prove. I wish her all the luck in the world and hope she enjoys the experience as much as I have.”

Bath will anchor Seven News’ 6pm bulletin on weekdays from Monday November 30. A journalist with 21 years experience, she started at the network in 1996 and has been Ross’ back-up presenter while reading weekends since 2005. She also reports for and co-hosts Seven’s flagship public affairs show Sunday Night.

“Ian has had an enormous impact on the Seven newsroom – it’s been wonderful to have someone with his experience on board and he’ll be greatly missed,” said Bath. “And while it is a changing of the guard, we both share an enormous passion for Seven News and the outstanding team behind it. I’m thrilled to be fronting such a comprehensive news service in my home town.”

“This is a bittersweet moment,” said Peter Meakin, the network’s director of news and public affairs. “On the one hand, we are sorry that Ian is leaving. He has led Seven News to victory for five consecutive years and we are hugely in his debt. But we rejoice that someone as talented and popular as Chris is available to replace him.”

“Ian has been an absolute superstar,” said Channel Seven CEO David Leckie. “We thank him profusely for taking Seven News to the top and keeping it there. Much as we’ll miss him, we are fortunate indeed to have someone as brilliant as Chris to inherit the crown.”

Channel Seven’s Sydney news director Chris Willis is also pleased to confirm that Mark Ferguson will commence reading weekend bulletins for Seven News on Saturday November 28.

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