Network Seven Brisbane viewers were left fuming on Monday after rising star journalist Katrina Blowers was promoted to Queensland chief reporter.
Katrina will continue to share presenting duties at 4pm weekdays with Samantha Heathwood during her tenure, which is part of the Brisbane newsroom revamp.
However, the presenter’s title change has been criticized by viewers, with some believing Katrina is unsuitable for the role, while others saying she should be slated for bigger and better titles.
“When Katrina Blowers started reading the weekend news after Kay McGrath left, I found her quite opinionated and unpleasant to watch,” one person wrote.
But other viewers seemed to disagree, saying Katrina deserved an even better promotion.
Fans of the journalist criticized Seven for only giving Katrina the title of Queensland Chief Reporter instead of promoting her to co-presenter of 7NEWS Brisbane.
The flagship 6pm weekday bulletin recently saw a shake-up which now sees Sarah Greenhalgh replacing sacked presenter Sharyn Ghidella alongside Max Futcher.
Some have called for Katrina to receive the coveted seat.
Network Seven Brisbane viewers were left fuming on Monday after rising star journalist Katrina Blowers was promoted to Queensland chief reporter.
“Katrina would have been the perfect person to fill the 6pm position as she had worked there for many years,” one person said.
It’s not some nameless guy that the Brisbane public has never heard of!
‘This ‘promotion’ is obviously a good way to try and not upset (Katrina) by not getting the best job.
“So she’ll be QLD’s main reporter, but she still has to read the 4pm news, how does that work?”
Another praised Katrina for “coming a long way since she was one of three co-presenters on Nine’s short-lived show THIS Afternoon” more than 15 years ago.
“But I still can’t help but wonder if Katrina or Samantha Heathwood… should have been selected as Max Futcher’s new co-host ahead of Sarah Greenhalgh.” they added.
Katrina will continue to share presenting duties at 4pm weekdays with Samantha Heathwood during her tenure, which is part of the Brisbane newsroom revamp. Pictured with former Sunrise host David ‘Kochie’ Koch
Despite the speech, Seven Network’s director of news and current affairs and editor-in-chief of Seven West Media, Anthony De Ceglie, has praised Katrina and her new role.
“Katrina is one of the country’s fiercest and most respected news reporters and in this new role she will take the lead in uncovering and broadcasting northeast Australia’s biggest stories to our national audiences,” he said.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Seven for further comment.
It comes after Katrina announced in January this year that she would be leaving her role behind Queensland’s weekend news desk after four years.
The journalist shared the news on Instagram at the time and explained that she was taking on a new role at the network.
The presenter’s title change has been criticized by viewers, with some believing Katrina is unsuitable for the role, while others say she should be booked for bigger and better titles.
Katrina stepped in as a Monday-Wednesday afternoon host to focus on her family.
‘End of an era… My last weekend in the 6pm chair for @7newsqueensland. “Almost four years ago, I inherited the most beautiful audience,” he wrote.
‘Not only did you stay with me and give me a chance, but you have welcomed me into your halls and your hearts.
“Over the last year, when I went back and forth with the idea of getting away from the weekends in my head, it was leaving this hearing that gave me the most pause.”
Katrina went on to say that it has been a “privilege to host newsletters and share those great stories with you.”
‘Now on the weekends we have family time and a new professional chapter at Seven. See you tomorrow on the 4pm Queensland bulletin!’ she finished.