Chris Bath has announced she is leaving Channel Seven, after 20 years at the network.
Chris will step down at the end of July, when her current contract expires, to “explore new horizons”.
“This has been a very big decision,” Chris said in a statement. “I’m very grateful for the past wonderful 20 years at Seven.
“I want to thank the Network for giving me the chance to enjoy every broadcast journalism experience. I’ve loved it all, worked with some amazing people and made lifelong friends at Seven.
“It has been a tough decision to leave, but years ago I left a great job in regional television because I didn’t want to say ‘What if?’ about life, and I feel with all that experience on board now, the time is right again to explore new horizons.”
-(2).jpg?resize=380%2C285)
The shock departure sparked speculation Chris had been pushed, but the network insisted the decision was entirely hers.
“She opted not to re-negotiate her contract, this is absolutely all her decision,” a network spokeswoman told gossip columnist Andrew Hornery.
The Australian newspaper, however, is reporting Chris quit after Seven tried to force her to accept a $300,000 pay cut. She is reportedly currently on an annual salary of $800,000 a year, which was negotiated before she was replaced as weekday newsreader by Mark Ferguson. Seven management are said to have tried to renegotiate to reflect Chris’ changing role, but she refused to accept the reduction.
Former Sunrise presenter Mel Doyle will take over Seven News Sydney’s 6pm bulletin on Fridays and Saturdays and will host the channel’s flagship Sunday Night program.
Chris Bath photographed for The Australian Women’s Weekly in July 2010.
