Channel Seven 'axes' top news program in shock move - and why Natarsha Belling is said to be to blame

Reports have surfaced that Seven has axed its late-night bulletin, The Latest.

Produced in Perth and hosted by Jerrie Demasi and Tim McMillan, insiders say the program will be replaced by a news panel show later this year.

Sources told TV Blackbox that network management made the move after launching its new look midday bulletin Seven News at Noon with Natarsha Belling earlier this month.

Insiders told the industry blog on Wednesday that Seven had dumped The Latest after 'reallocating' budgets toward 6pm local news bulletins and extending the midday news to one hour.

Katrina Blowers, who was promoted to Queensland Chief Reporter by Seven in 2024, is rumoured to be the host of the new late-night news show, which will likely be based in Brisbane.

Seven would not confirm the story with TV Blackbox, but a spokesperson indicated that a late-night news slot would remain on the schedule.

'It would be wrong to suggest there won’t be a late-night news bulletin on Seven,' they said.

'We’re just considering our options as to what it might look like.'

Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Seven management for comment. 

Originally known as Seven Late News and launched in 1995, the evening bulletin helped bolster the careers of Chris Bath and Anne Fulwood, and Natalie Barr.

After getting the axe in 2003, the late news slot was re-launched and re-branded as The Latest in 2018 with media veteran Michael Usher and Angela Cox.

The show, based in Sydney, was re-located to Perth in 2024 as a 'cost cutting measure' reported TV Blackbox.

It comes after two Channel Seven stars have revealed how little they earn despite having high-profile roles.

Reporter Rosanna Kingsun and news anchor Samantha Heathwood spoke to Getahead on Instagram in videos posted this week and were asked about their salaries.

Rosanna said journalists at her level earn just $80,000-$90,000 per year despite having 12 years' experience.

'I'm surprised at the salary. I was expecting they would be paid a lot more than $90k a year,' wrote one person in the comments.

'80 to 90 that's s**t,' another blunt comment read while someone who viewed the clip else agreed.

'Not enuff! Should be minimum 140! Is this amount greed or simply the high cost of living?' said someone else.

'That's really low, can't live of that if she has a family,' yet another surprised person chimed in.

Heathwood was asked the same question, and while she was being paid a lot more than her colleague, she still left viewers scratching their heads.

The news presenter said she was earning 'well under $200,000' despite being in the industry for over 20 years.

'She deserves more than 200K,' said one person in the comments, adding that Nine's Today show presenter Karl Stefanovic gets much more.

'I bet Karl doesn't write, so how on earth he deserves more than 1 mil/year???' they continued.

'It's all about ratings and I truly hope she'll hit the jackpot sometime soon either through her writing or program rating'.

Others shared their love for Heathwood with one person saying, 'One of my favorite interviews y'all have done. You can tell her passion for career!'

Another wrote: 'Sam is one of the best news reader/reporters out! She's so kind and caring and gentle when she interviews you even in the hard times.' 

Heathwood joined Channel Seven in 2021 after working as a regional newsreader for 9 News Queensland.

Samantha presented the 6pm Channel Nine news bulletins for both regional Queensland and Darwin.