Mark Ferguson (news presenter)
Mark Ferguson | |
|---|---|
| Born | February 22, 1966 Australia |
| Occupation | Television news anchor |
| Years active | 1980s–present |
| Known for | Presenting Seven News Sydney; former senior presenter at Nine News Sydney |
Mark Ferguson (born 22 February 1966) is an Australian television news anchor, currently presenting the weeknight edition of Seven News in Sydney. Previously, he held a senior presenter role at Nine News Sydney.
Career
Ferguson's career began at regional broadcasting stations across New South Wales and Queensland, before joining the Seven Network in 1989. He contributed reports to various Seven News shows, such as 11AM and Hinch. After relocating to Sydney in 1991, he commenced work with the Nine Network in 1992 as their correspondent in London, where he covered significant events including the passing of Princess Diana.
He returned to Sydney in 1997 and by 2001 was anchoring the National Nine Early News at 6 am, later taking on the National Nine Morning News slot at 11 am. By 2003, Ferguson was presenting the weekend edition of National Nine News Sydney, occasionally substituting on weeknights. During late 2003 and throughout the 2004–2005 ratings season, he anchored the flagship 6:00 pm weeknight bulletin, reporting on major incidents such as the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami. His strong performance led to his appointment as the permanent weeknight presenter, succeeding Jim Waley and helping maintain Nine’s ratings dominance following Brian Henderson’s retirement.
Despite this success, a decline in ratings resulted in his replacement by Peter Overton in January 2009 and reassignment to weekend presenting duties. In July 2009, Ferguson declared his departure from Nine after 17 years to join Seven News. Following this announcement, he was swiftly removed from Nine’s weekend news and succeeded by Georgie Gardner but continued appearing on other Nine programs until September 2009.
Subsequently, Ferguson took on the role of weekend presenter for Seven News Sydney, replacing Chris Bath. He also served as a substitute host on Sunday Night during Bath's assignment covering the 2012 London Olympics. In January 2014, Ferguson was elevated to weeknight presenter for Seven News Sydney, taking over from Bath.