Newsreader goes from Nine to Seven

Ferguson had been at network for 17 years

By PAUL CHAI

SYDNEY -- In a move that will come as a blow to the Nine Network, its long-time newsreader Mark Ferguson has quit the web in the midst of contract negotiations. Ferguson, who was dumped as newsreader of Nine's prime 6 p.m. bulletin in January, is heading to rival and ratings leader the Seven Network.

Nine topper David Gyngell said of the move: "We're actually flattered that another network had to look to Nine to find a new newsreader." Ferguson had been at the network for 17 years and was considered one of its most senior news talents.

The news is particularly bad for afternoon chat skein "This Afternoon" of which Ferguson was a key player. Skein, designed to boost Nine's 6 p.m. bulletin that lost traction after Ferguson was sacked, failed to make any ratings headway in its first few weeks.