He first arrived at the Seven Network in mid-2004 just as its Sydney news ratings was starting to pick up momentum under Ian Ross - him replacing Mark Beretta (who subsequently moved to Sunrise) on the newsdesk completed their presenting overhaul from the previous year, though Ann Sanders moved to weekends replacing Chris Bath, who moved to the morning news, while Nick McArdle (then weekend sports presenter) was the only presenter not to change roles between 2003-04.
And correct, he did fill in for Kochie on Sunrise from time-to-time. Could also be a fill-in for either Shirvo or David Woiwod as and when required.
Pretty basic promo with a few studio shot and archived news. At least we don’t have anyone walking the streets of Perth looking into the distance, shaking hands etc.
If the aim of this is to save money by reducing Rick and Sue’s work days then I don’t see them spending anything on a new set. They absolutely should, and are in desperate need of one, but I don’t see it happening.
I’m not the biggest fan of a Thommo on STW but he does the job fine and for the first time in a long time they will be able to claim their primary presenter has more experience than the competition.
If I were STW I would be setting up a double header with Thommo and Monika at 6:00pm.
We are about to find out just how many people watched for Rick and Sue and whether this causes a noticeable drop in viewers.
I’m a few hours late from my end - but it’s good to have Matt White back on Seven.
Filling in for Mel MacLaughlin as Sports Presenter for a few weeks is a little surprising, but then again, does have the experience. Will he then perhaps be going to Fridays and Saturdays when Mel returns? Or will Tom Sacre who is currently in that Fri/Sat role continue? Time will tell.
He could be also NRL Reporter alongside Jelisa Apps? And then be the “main host” of the Rugby League World Cup at the end of the year (alongside hosting The NRL Agenda Setters later in the year).
I reckon Matt White might become the permanent sports presenter on weekends so as to maximise rugby league coverage (not just results and injuries but also the fallout from matches etc) which is what he was hired by the station to do.
