The Seven Network’s 7NEWS Brisbane has announced exciting changes to its on-air line-up, with accomplished journalists Katrina Blowers and Samantha Heathwood stepping into new presenting roles.
After four years at the helm of Brisbane’s 6pm weekend news bulletin, Blowers will now switch to the 4pm bulletin on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
She will also be reporting for the network on Thursdays and Fridays.
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Heathwood will take over the 6pm weekend presenting role.
She will also share the 4pm news presenting duties with Blowers, reading on Thursdays and Fridays.
‘New stage’
“I’m excited to be entering a new stage of my career and life in 2024,” Blowers said.
“After four incredible years of reading the weekend news, I’m looking forward to reclaiming my Saturday and Sunday evenings so I can spend more time with my fiance and family, while still giving 100 per cent to 7NEWS Monday to Friday.
“Storytelling is my passion, and I can’t wait to continue to meet our viewers out on the road while sharing the important stories they trust us with.”
Blowers became engaged to Surfing Queensland CEO Adam Yates in August 2023.
Sharing pictures of the proposal, she wrote: “A million rose petals and a million times YES ❤️💍.”
‘Dream role’
Heathwood said presenting the weekend 6pm news was a “dream role”.
“I’ve admired the way Katrina presents for many years, and to be taking on such a big role is a very exciting step in my career,” she said.
“As well as the excitement about the presenting side of things, I’m also thrilled to still be getting out on the road, so I can continue to tell Queenslanders’ stories first-hand.”
Director of 7NEWS for Brisbane and the Gold Coast, Michael Coombes, said he was excited to kick off 2024 with a “new chapter”.
“Katrina has been, and will continue to be, a real leader in this newsroom,” he said.
“Sam, as well as being a talented presenter, brings her warmth and experience to each story she crafts.
“Both Sam and Katrina will bring these important qualities to their new roles, giving the viewers the best of both worlds.
“I’m delighted that the 7NEWS team can continue to support them in this next step in their careers.”
Blowers will read her final 6pm weekend bulletin on Sunday, with the changes taking effect from Monday, January 29.
7NEWS is on nightly at 6pm on Channel 7 and 7plus.
