Tasmanian television news is entering a new era today as 7 Tasmania officially joins the 7NEWS network.
The bulletin, previously known as Southern Cross News and more recently as Nightly News 7 Tasmania, has been fully rebranded to 7NEWS Tasmania.
The change brings it in line with Seven’s metropolitan and regional bulletins across Australia.
Paul Patrick, Seven Network Director of Regional News, confirmed the change represents more than just new graphics for viewers.
“The team in Hobart and Launceston have been working hard to become fully integrated into the Seven family, and tonight our 6pm bulletin will rebrand to 7NEWS Tasmania – in line with the rest of the network,” Patrick told Pulse.
He said that while the visual elements are changing, the network is committed to providing Tasmania’s only hour-long nightly television news bulletin.
“What doesn’t change is our commitment to telling local stories and covering local, national and international events, as we always have,” he said.
Viewers can expect familiar face Kim Millar to continue presenting the 6pm bulletin, now under the 7NEWS Tasmania banner.
“These are important cosmetic changes and makes Tasmania as much a part of the 7NEWS team as Perth, Sydney or Maroochydore,” Patrick said.
The rebrand follows several years of evolution for the service, with an initial attempt to adopt the 7NEWS Tasmania name in 2018 being modified to ‘Nightly News 7 Tasmania’ after reported quality control concerns from Seven West Media.
The path to full integration became clearer in May of this year when Seven West Media purchased 7 Tasmania from Southern Cross Austereo in a $3.75 million deal.
Seven West Media last week announced it plans to merge with Southern Cross Austereo to create a national radio, television and digital media company.
