Channel Seven has come under further criticism from frustrated viewers following its controversial decision to include a horoscope forecast in its news bulletins.
Natasha Weber, also known as Astro Tash, made her Seven News debut on Monday night as part of a wider effort by the network to revamp its evening bulletins.
Ms Weber’s readings were broadcast immediately after the sports segment in the Sydney bulletin.
The new 20-second evening segment was originally planned to air after the weather report to end the hour-long bulletin.
Horoscopes quickly appeared on screen so viewers could find their zodiac sign and read what Tuesday had in store for them.
The new segment sparked a mixed reaction among Seven viewers.
Some questioned whether the network still takes news seriously.
“Channel 7 news now includes a horoscope. What nonsense. It seems they don’t really care about the news,” one viewer fumed on X.
Natasha Weber, aka Astro Tash (pictured centre during a recent appearance on The Morning Show), debuted her horoscope readings on Seven News on Monday night.
Another joked: “Between the horoscopes and comedy sketches featured on Seven News, what better way to go than to go all out? How about Denise Drysdale spinning a wheel and giving away prizes too?”
A third wrote: “Looks like the Seven News horoscope segment is starting tonight. Needless to say, I don’t expect this to last long. It’s a very Women’s Day and New Ideas concept to me!”
“Seven News treats viewers like idiots with horoscopes. Is this really what will make us watch Seven News instead of 9, 10, 2 or SBS? This is the biggest snub ever. Who are these new puppets making such childish decisions?” said another.
A fifth said: “There is no science in astrology. Science has disproven it. It definitely shouldn’t be in the news. 7News should be ashamed.”
However, some viewers came out to defend the new inclusion.
“Astrology is a science, like meteorology, and should be given the respect it deserves,” wrote one.
The inclusion of horoscopes is just one of several changes coming to Channel Seven.
Sources close to the show told Daily Mail Australia that the changes at the network came at a time when morale was already at an all-time low following the Bruce Lehrmann fiasco on Spotlight and the sacking of veteran journalist Robert Ovadia.
De Ceglie, Seven’s new director of news and current affairs, insisted morale was “excellent” and that “trying new things” was part of the broadcaster’s bold new future.
Ms Weber’s horoscopes followed her appearance on Channel Seven’s morning show in February, where she analysed the effects of five supermoons.
His appearance was applauded by his nearly 80,000 followers.
“Absolutely fantastic and very insightful, Natasha,” said one.
“You are shedding new light on an old system,” wrote another.
Now offering weekly horoscope readings on the show.
The new 20-second horoscope segment, written by Ms Weber (pictured), was originally advertised to air after the weather report to end the bulletin.
The inclusion of Ms Weber’s horoscopes (pictured) was criticised by Channel Seven viewers, who accused the network of not taking the news “seriously”.
In addition to her work with the Seven network, Ms Weber is a horoscope columnist for Marie Claire Australia and Mama Mia, and was awarded the AAAC Diploma for her contribution to astrological research.
Ms Weber’s horoscope debut comes after a controversial new satirical segment hosted by comedian Mark Humphries.
The 6:57pm newscast will be a weekly segment following the Friday news bulletin and is just one of a number of changes being introduced to the channel.
Humphries decided to make several jokes about President Joe Biden after the latter made several gaffes during a high-pressure press conference.
Comedian Mark Humphries’ first ever sketch comedy aired on Channel Seven on Friday night.
“Today, people around the world were waiting with bated breath to hear from Joe Biden, the leader of the free world, for now,” the comedian began.
‘His press conference was delayed by more than an hour, presumably because the President was late or, more likely, because he was late walking.
“And you know it was serious because of the way the White House presented it. A big boy press conference. And that’s technically correct if you use Benjamin Button’s definition of ‘boy.'”
“Biden, who is 81 but doesn’t look a day older than 90, spoke fluently on a variety of issues and allayed voters’ fears about his age – that’s what I wish I could tell you.”
“Well, it didn’t fail,” Seven presenter Angela Cox said at the end of the segment.
