In a surprising move that has sent ripples through Australia’s television industry, Channel Seven has successfully poached Tanya Weingarth, a highly regarded executive producer, from Nine’s nightly bulletin. This strategic hire has left Nine’s veteran news anchor Peter Overton reportedly ‘beside himself’ with concern over the implications for his network.
Tanya Weingarth, who began her illustrious career at Seven, will return to the network as the executive producer of the 6pm Sydney news bulletin. The announcement was made via an internal email from Seven’s acting news director, Geoff Dunn, who expressed enthusiasm about Weingarth’s return. “Tanya started her career with Seven Queensland, so she really is coming home,” Dunn stated. “We’re thrilled she is making the switch to Sydney’s most dedicated news team.”
Industry Reactions and Internal Turmoil
The decision has reportedly unsettled Nine, with insiders claiming that executives are scrambling to respond. According to sources, Nine’s Denison Street headquarters was abuzz with discussions over the weekend, as executives contemplated potential countermeasures. However, Nine Entertainment has officially denied any claims regarding Overton’s reaction.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Nine extended well wishes to Weingarth, stating, “Tanya continues to fulfill her current role as EP, including tonight at 6pm.” This diplomatic response contrasts with the alleged internal chaos described by insiders.
A Storied Career and a Strategic Move
Weingarth’s career spans two decades, beginning as a reporter at Seven News Queensland in 2003. Her professional journey has seen her produce Ten’s 5pm and weekend news programs until 2013, followed by a stint at A Current Affair in Brisbane. Most recently, she has been producing Nine Sydney’s evening news since 2021.
Her resume highlights her commitment to maintaining a calm demeanor in high-pressure environments, a skill that will undoubtedly serve her well in her new role at Seven. “As the EP in the number one newsroom in the country, I am surrounded by the industry’s best and am committed to upholding Nine’s reputation as the news people turn to and trust,” her CV reads.
Competitive Landscape and Ratings Battle
This development comes as Channel Seven edges out Nine in recent Virtual Oz TV and digital rankings. Seven recorded a total TV commercial share of 41.4 percent in all people from 6am to midnight during the first six months of the year, slightly ahead of Nine’s 40.5 percent share. Network Ten lagged behind with an 18.1 percent share.
Seven West Media managing director and CEO, Jeff Howard, remarked, “Seven continues to be Australia’s go-to destination for TV and digital news, sport and entertainment, pulling in bigger audiences than anyone else in the market.”
Howard further emphasized, “We have the winning formula across the board – the top news, breakfast show, winter sport, drama and lifestyle programs, plus a strong entertainment lineup that’s kept us ahead of the pack for the first half of 2025.”
Implications for the Future
The poaching of Weingarth not only signifies a strategic win for Seven but also highlights the intense competition within Australia’s television landscape. As networks vie for top talent and audience share, such moves are likely to become more frequent.
Looking ahead, industry analysts will be keenly observing how this shift impacts both networks’ ratings and whether Nine will respond with strategic hires of its own. For now, Tanya Weingarth’s transition marks a significant chapter in the ongoing battle for dominance in Australian television news.
