7NEWS Tasmania launches first Hobart-produced bulletin after 64 years in Launceston
7NEWS Tasmania has officially launched its new Hobart studio, marking the first time in more than six decades the state’s nightly bulletin has not originated from Launceston.
The new-look 6pm bulletin debuted on Monday night, fronted by Kim Millar and Andy ‘Tubes’ Taylor, alongside weekday weather presenter Kiah Wicks.
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The move ends 64 years of nightly broadcasts from the northern city, with bulletin production and direction now handled from Seven’s Canberra hub for the first time.
The final Launceston-based bulletin aired on Sunday evening, with presenters Michael Maney and Jackie Harvey farewelling the long-running era as staff watched from the control room.
According to reports from Pulse Media, several behind-the-scenes roles have been impacted by the transition, although the total number of job losses has not been confirmed.
The publication reported the station’s Tasmanian-based news director was made redundant earlier this month, while a long-serving staff member finished with the station after 42 years of employment.
Former sports presenter Nick Kelly also departed the network on Friday.
“We’re … saying goodbye to a number of good people who work behind the scenes keeping the show on the air,” Kelly said during his farewell message on Friday night’s bulletin.
Regular fill-in weather presenter Jackie Harvey also acknowledged uncertainty around her future with the station during Sunday’s final bulletin from Launceston.
“I hope to be back on-screen soon for a few more sunny forecasts,” Harvey said.
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Despite the production changes, Seven says journalist and camera operator numbers across Tasmania will remain unchanged.
A spokesperson previously said the network would continue maintaining local news gathering operations across the state while only “bulletin direction and studio production will be handled from Seven’s Canberra Hub”.
The move follows Seven West Media’s acquisition of the Tasmanian station from Southern Cross Austereo in May 2025 for $3.75 million, before the two companies merged earlier this year.
The station had been operating from temporary premises on Charles Street in Launceston since May 2025 after leaving its long-time Watchorn Street studio complex, which was sold in 2022 for redevelopment.
Under the refreshed on-air line-up, Millar will commute from Launceston to Hobart to present Monday to Wednesday bulletins, while Michael Maney expands his role to present from Thursday to Sunday.
“It’s a privilege to continue bringing Tasmanians the stories that matter most to them each night,” Millar said.
“We have an incredible team of journalists and camera operators right across Tasmania, and while we may be broadcasting from a new studio, our focus remains exactly the same – telling the stories of Tasmanians, wherever they are in the state.”
New sports presenter Taylor, who continues his breakfast radio role on Triple M Hobart, described joining the bulletin as both exciting and daunting.
“I’m nervous, honoured and really excited to be part of the 7NEWS Tasmania team,” Taylor said.
The new Hobart studio had previously been used for weekend bulletins under the station’s former ownership arrangement.
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7NEWS Tasmania airs nightly at 6.00pm on Seven and 7plus from its new Hobart studio.
SOURCE: Pulse Media
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