Seven is quietly experimenting with a new international news format fronted by senior correspondent Hugh Whitfeld — and while it hasn’t had a splashy launch, The World With Whitfeld is already gaining attention.
The show, which quietly premiered on YouTube last Monday (June 23), sees Whitfeld presenting a circa 15-20 minute wrap of major global developments from a relaxed, almost home-style setup — bookshelf, globe, open-collared shirt, and all.
It’s a stripped-back format, filmed in a locked-off single shot and delivered without the usual news desk polish, yet maintains a clean, broadcast-ready feel thanks to sharp editing and strong correspondent packages.
TV Blackbox understands this is very much a soft launch, with a handful of episodes now published as part of a digital-first trial.
Seven insiders say the bulletin was developed under former news boss Anthony De Ceglie and has continued under the new Director of News and Public Affairs Ray Kuka, who started in the role in May.
In its opening episodes, The World With Whitfeld has covered international flashpoints including US-Iran tensions and the conflict in the Middle East, featuring reports and crosses from Seven’s international correspondents Mylee Hogan in the United States and Jacquelin Robson in Israel.
Some segments appear to be repurposed from existing bulletins — from Sunrise to the flagship 6pm news bulletins — allowing the network to maximise its existing resources while giving the content a second life in a fresh format.
TV Blackbox understands the initiative is part of a broader strategy to grow Seven’s YouTube audience and extend the network’s international news reach. The bulletin has been described as a digital-first trial, with a handful of episodes recorded and uploaded so far.
The format is also seen as a chance to showcase Hugh Whitfeld’s extensive foreign reporting experience, at a time when global news is in sharp focus. The concept, developed internally, has already started attracting online audiences — not just in Australia, but overseas as well.
It’s a notable move in the wake of The Latest, Seven’s late night bulletin, being quietly retired earlier this year, and suggests Seven is open to new formats that blend broadcast journalism with digital sensibilities.
Whether this concept evolves into something bigger — potentially even making its way back to linear — remains to be seen.
Take a look at the first bulletin below:
Stream The World with Whitfeld, hosted by 7 News’ Hugh Whitfeld, on YouTube now.
*This article was originally written on 24/06/2025, updated 04/0/2025.
HughTube
So you get some eyeballs is the ROI goodwill and gaffer tape ?
Not seeing how making content for the competition is productive for any network 🧐
Back to the main channel or cat videos, what will the viewer do next ? 😉😝
LOL look at that perfectly curated background
Working from home look
Yet more news…..
I was not a fan of the vast majority of the changew that Mr. De Ceglie implemented at Seven News during his brief reign there. The two changes I did like was adding the National News at Noon as it offers an informative yet somewhat relaxed alternative to the ABC’s News at Noon, and the now defunct Inside Media with Rob Mcknight as his commentary on the media landscape had been sorely missed since the TV Blackbox Podcast finished up. This new show with Hugh Whitfeld is proving to be third change initiated under De Ceglie that I’m liking. Whitfeld was always a strong correspondent for Seven, and his experience and professionalism is being put on full display here. The show is informative and engaging without being too overwhelming. It also takes its time. It’s not rushed like the 6pm news often is. I hope it continues to do well, even if it never makes its way to traditional TV, as it offers some of what the world is lacking right now when it comes to News from overseas: clarity and context delivered in a calm manner.