7 News Melbourne has officially left the Docklands behind, making a major move to the newly built, high-tech studios inside Melbourne Quarter Tower.
The relocation marks the end of an era after 24 years at Broadcast Centre Melbourne and signals the beginning of a new chapter for Seven’s news, sport, and live production teams, now broadcasting from one of the most advanced media facilities in the country.
From Seven:
7NEWS Melbourne to broadcast from new high-tech home – Seven Melbourne moves to high-tech studios
After 24 years broadcasting from the famous waterside strip of Harbour Esplanade, Docklands, the Seven Network’s entire Melbourne operation today begins an exciting chapter at the bustling new Melbourne Quarter Tower (MQT) on Collins Street.
The 7NEWS Melbourne team signed off for the final time from Broadcast Centre Melbourne (BCM) on Sunday night, and the first historic broadcast from the new state-of-the-art newsroom and studios will be tonight’s edition of 7NEWS live at 6.00pm with Peter Mitchell, Rebecca Maddern and Jane Bunn.
The high-tech facility, purpose-built across two floors of MQT to mirror Seven’s world-leading Eveleigh office and studios in Sydney, is now home to the network’s entire Melbourne news and sport operation and will see all 7NEWS afternoon and evening bulletins, Seven Horse Racing and popular 7AFL shows Sunday Footy Feast and The Wash Up broadcast from the new facility. Sunrise also has a new dedicated studio space to allow more flexibility to broadcast the show from Melbourne.
Part of a major building transformation project of Seven’s Melbourne headquarters over the past two years, the innovative space features a digital IP-based television facility, full high-definition LED based news set and non-linear file-based story capture and editing, and a large-scale sports control room capable of controlling and presenting the largest of sporting events, making it one of the most advanced broadcasting facilities in Australia.
Seven West Media Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Jeff Howard, said:
“Our new Melbourne home is purpose-built to embrace the future of media, and is setting the benchmark for innovation in broadcast and digital production.”
“Our investment in the new Melbourne Quarter Tower facility reflects the importance of the Melbourne market to Seven, which is home to some of our most valued clients and content partners, including the AFL and Cricket Australia.”
Seven Network Director of News and Current Affairs and Seven West Media Editor-in-Chief, Anthony De Ceglie, said:
“Today marks the beginning of a new chapter in Seven Melbourne’s rich history and an exciting new era for our news team, as we move from a newsroom that served us well for decades into a purpose-built space designed for the future.”
“It’s a shift that honours our legacy, reflects the strength and commitment of our Melbourne team, and sets the stage for what we can deliver in this state-of-the-art environment – built for today’s demands and the energy and ambition of our journalism.”
The move also marks a significant milestone for 7NEWS Melbourne anchor Peter Mitchell, who has helmed the 6.00pm bulletin every weeknight since Seven’s very first broadcast from BCM in March 2002 – a testament to his enduring presence in Melburnian’s homes.
“There’s a tinge of sadness about it for sure,” Mitchell said.
“I take great pride in looking back and knowing that I’ve been the main guy in the history of 7NEWS at Docklands. It has been my privilege to represent all our staff who work so hard during all hours of the day.
“I recall when we first came here and we were part of the Chairman’s bold new plan to help redevelop the western part of Melbourne with a new state-of-the-art football stadium with a retractable roof, and a new central broadcast centre for his network.”
“I must admit I thought we would be here for more than 24 years, but that just goes to show you the changing media landscape.”
“But the team is very excited about our new home. The first thing the viewers will notice is that our new studio is much bigger, and the clarity and crispness of our new screens, so our graphics will be better and brighter and the whole look will be much cleaner,” he said.
