Network Ten has announced that its 5pm news bulletins will have a new, uniform look across the country for the start of the official TV ratings period.
From Monday 13 February, TEN Eyewitness News First At Five will be presented by Sandra Sully in Sydney, Stephen Quartermain in Melbourne, Georgina Lewis in Brisbane, Narelda Jacobs in Perth and Rebecca Morse in Adelaide.
As part of the introduction of single presenters in each market, Hugh Riminton, Candice Wyatt and Lachlan Kennedy will take on new roles as senior reporters in Ten’s Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane newsrooms respectively, with Riminton to specialise in political and foreign coverage, as well as special investigations.
Ten said in a statement that there will be no changes to the sport and weather presenters in each capital city for TEN Eyewitness News First At Five, and that the weekend news bulletin will continue to be presented by Natarsha Belling.
Ten’s executive director of news, John Choueifate, said the creation of a standard format across all of its 5pm news bulletins was a logical move that would be welcomed by viewers.
“We have had single presenters of our 5pm news in Adelaide and Perth for years,” he said.
“It makes sense to move to that model in the other cities and, at the same time, strengthen our reporting teams.
“Hugh, Candice and Lachlan are quality journalists who add years of experience to our reporting line-up. I’m thrilled to have them back on the road.”