Samantha Heathwood to present Seven News Brisbane weekends

Changes are afoot for Seven News Brisbane with journalist Samantha Heathwood (pictured above) to become the 6pm weekend anchor.

After four years Katrina Blowers (pictured below) will now present the 4.00pm bulletin on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, while reporting for the network on Thursdays and Fridays.

Heathwood will also reading the 4pm news on Thursdays and Fridays.

Blowers said: “I’m excited to be entering a new stage of my career and life in 2024. After four incredible years of reading the weekend news, I’m looking forward to reclaiming my Saturday and Sunday evenings so I can spend more time with my fiancé and family, while still giving 100% to 7NEWS Monday to Friday. Storytelling is my passion, and I can’t wait to continue to meet our viewers out on the road while sharing the important stories they trust us with.”

Heathwood said: “It’s fair to say this is a dream role for me to be stepping into the 6.00pm weekend slot. I’ve admired the way Katrina presents for many years, and to be taking on such a big role is a very exciting step in my career. As well as the excitement about the presenting side of things, I’m also thrilled to still be getting out on the road so I can continue to tell Queenslanders’ stories first-hand.”

Director of 7NEWS for Brisbane and the Gold Coast, Michael Coombes, said: “I’m excited to kick off 2024 with a new chapter for 7NEWS as we continue to fight for Queenslanders on the issues that matter to them most. Katrina has been, and will continue to be, a real leader in this newsroom. Sam, as well as being a talented presenter, brings her warmth and experience to each story she crafts.

“Both Sam and Katrina will bring these important qualities to their new roles, giving the viewers the best of both worlds. I’m delighted that the 7NEWS team can continue to support them in this next step in their careers.”

Blowers will read her final 6.00pm weekend bulletin on Sunday, with the changes taking effect from Monday, 29 January.