Channel 7 staff caught up in the network’s mass redundancy process have called it the “end of an era”.
Southern Cross Media (SCM), Seven’s parent company, revealed on Thursday it would cut 250 to 300 people from the business before June 30 in a bid to save $30 million.
The company said this will remove duplications and streamline processes.
Melbourne television reporter Estelle Griepink and Sydney journalist Inga Neilsen have both confirmed they have taken redundancy.
The Daily Mail and News Corp have reported that midday anchor Natarsha Belling’s role has also been affected.
RELATED:
Reporters speak out after Channel 7 announcement
After working at Seven for 11 years, Estelle took the network’s voluntary redundancy, calling it a bittersweet moment.
“I feel so lucky to have fulfilled my childhood dream of becoming a news reporter,” she said on social media.
“I’ve had a front row seat to some of the biggest stories in the world and filed for CNN and BBC in the process.
“I’ve worked with the most incredible colleagues and made lifelong friendships along the way. I’ve been lucky enough to cover stories interstate and overseas.
Estelle Griepink said she has taken voluntary redundancy.
(Instagram/@estellegriepink)
“I’ve worked ‘on the road’ through two back-to-back pregnancies, and let me tell you, chasing crims outside court while heavily pregnant is no joke.”
She said she was now ready for a change of pace while juggling life as a mum of two and had built a space for mums online.
Estelle thanked everyone she had worked with and thanked Victorians for having her in their living rooms.
Inga was also affected by the redundancy announcement and will leave the network after six years.
“A country kid from Braidwood, I achieved my childhood dream of becoming a TV reporter in Sydney,” she said.
“I’ve covered some of the country’s biggest stories. I’ve met people on the worst days of their lives. Those who lost homes, livelihoods and loved ones to floods and fires. What I’ll remember most isn’t the tragedy, but the resilience people showed in the face of it.”
Inga began her career at WIN News in Albury and said she had worked with “incredibly talented people” during her career.
“For now, it’s time to put down the microphone and try something new, focused on creating, connecting, and putting more positivity into the world,” she said.
What has Channel 7 said about the redundancy process?
Rohan Lund, SCA’s managing director and CEO, said the business “must reset” their cost base to meet current market conditions.
The network claimed the redundancies would mainly impact “mid and back office and corporate staff”, however front-of-camera workers are also affected.
The Daily Telegraph claimed reporters Chris Maher, Brianna Jackson, Amy Clements, and senior sports producer Nick Markham, have been included in the job cuts.
“Unfortunately, this means saying goodbye to some talented colleagues who have helped build our business,” Lund said.
“We are deeply grateful for their contributions, and we are committed to supporting them through this transition.”
The redundancies will be spread out across Channel 7, The West Australian newspaper, and Southern Cross Austereo.
Want the latest lifestyle and entertainment news? Make sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.