Channel Seven has successfully poached a polished executive producer from Nine’s nightly bulletin, a strategic move that has sent ripples through the rival network. Tanya Weingarth, a former senior producer for A Current Affair, will be returning to her roots at Seven, where she first launched her career.
In an internal announcement, Seven revealed that Weingarth would take on the role of executive producer for the broadcaster’s 6pm Sydney news bulletin. The news has reportedly left Nine stalwart Peter Overton ‘beside himself’, according to a network insider who spoke with the Daily Mail Australia. However, Nine Entertainment has denied these claims regarding Overton’s reaction.
Background and Career Trajectory
Tanya Weingarth’s career spans over two decades in the Australian media landscape. She began her journey as a reporter at Seven News Queensland in 2003 and has since built an impressive resume. Her career includes producing roles at Ten’s 5pm and weekend news programs until 2013, followed by a stint at A Current Affair in Brisbane. In 2021, she moved to Nine Sydney to produce the evening news.
Weingarth is also known for her past as a professional Surf Life Saving ironwoman, showcasing her diverse talents and commitment to excellence. Her return to Seven is seen as a homecoming, as emphasized by Seven’s acting news director Geoff Dunn, who stated, “Tanya started her career with Seven Queensland, so she really is coming home.”
Industry Reactions and Network Rivalry
The move has intensified the long-standing rivalry between Seven and Nine. According to sources, Nine executives have been actively seeking strategies to counteract this high-profile poaching. The atmosphere at Nine’s Denison Street headquarters is described as ‘buzzing’ with discussions of potential ‘revenge’ moves.
This development follows a recent report in the Virtual Oz TV and digital rankings, where Seven edged out Nine with a total TV commercial share of 41.4% compared to Nine’s 40.5% for the first half of the year. Network Ten lagged behind with an 18.1% share. Seven West Media’s managing director and CEO, Jeff Howard, highlighted the network’s success, stating, “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.”
“We topped the ratings in 15 of the first 26 weeks and we’re home to many of the shows Australians love most,” Howard added.
Implications for the Future
The appointment of Weingarth as executive producer at Seven is expected to bolster the network’s already strong news lineup. Her expertise and experience are anticipated to enhance the quality and appeal of Seven’s 6pm Sydney bulletin, potentially drawing more viewers and further increasing the network’s market share.
Meanwhile, Nine’s response to this strategic shift remains to be seen. A Nine spokesperson expressed goodwill towards Weingarth, stating, “Tanya continues to fulfil her current role as EP, including tonight at 6pm,” while wishing her the best for her future endeavors.
As the media landscape continues to evolve, the competition between these two broadcasting giants is likely to intensify, with both networks striving to capture the attention and loyalty of Australian audiences. The poaching of high-profile talent like Weingarth underscores the ongoing battle for supremacy in the nation’s television news sector.
