Channel Seven has copped more backlash from frustrated viewers in the wake of its controversial decision to include a horoscope forecast in its news bulletins.
Natasha Weber, also known as Astro Tash, made her debut on Seven News on Monday night as part of the network’s wider effort to revamp its nightly bulletins.
Ms Weber’s readings aired straight after the sports segment on the Sydney bulletin.
The new 20-second nightly segment was originally spruiked to broadcast after the weather to wrap up the hour-long bulletin.
The horoscopes quickly flashed across the screen for viewers to find their star sign and read what their Tuesday holds.
The new segment sparked a divided reaction from Seven viewers.
Some questioned whether the network still serious about news.
‘Channel 7 news now features a horoscope. What rubbish. Looks like they don’t really care about news,’ one viewer fumed on X.
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Another quipped: ‘Between horoscopes and comedy skits being included in Seven News, might as well go the full hog? How about Denise Drysdale spinning a wheel and giving away prizes, too?’
A third wrote: ‘It seems like Seven News’ horoscopes segment will begin tonight. Needless to say, I don’t expect this to last long – a very Woman’s Day/New Idea concept to me!’
‘Seven News treating the viewers as morons with horoscopes. Seriously is this what is going to make us watch Seven News as opposed to 9, 10, 2 or SBS. Biggest turn off ever. Who are these new muppets making such infantile decisions?,’ another said.
A fifth said: ‘There is no science in astrology. Science has actually disproven it. It definitely should be nowhere near the news. 7News should be ashamed.’
However, some viewers leapt to defend the new inclusion.
‘Astrology is a science, just like meteorology and ought to be given the respect it deserves,’ one wrote.
The inclusion of horoscopes is just one of several changes coming to Channel Seven.
Insiders told Daily Mail Australia changes to the network came when morale was already at an ‘all-time low’ after the Spotlight show’s Bruce Lehrmann fiasco and the sacking of veteran reporter Robert Ovadia.
De Ceglie, Seven’s new director of news and current affairs, insisted morale is ‘great’ and ‘trying new things’ is part of the network’s bold new future.
Ms Weber’s horoscopes followed her appearance on Channel Seven’s Morning Show in February, where she discussed the effects of five supermoons.
Her appearance was applauded by her almost 80,000 followers.
‘Absolutely fantastic and very insightful Natasha,’ one said.
‘You are shining new light into a old system,’ another wrote.
She now provides weekly horoscope readings on the program.
Aside from her work with the Seven network, Ms Weber is a horoscope columnist for Marie Claire Australia and Mama Mia as well as a recipient of 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 News will be a weekly segment after the news bulletin on Fridays and is just one of a series of changes being introduced to the channel.
Humphries chose to crack several jokes about President Joe Biden after he suffered several gaffes during a high-pressure press conference.
‘Today, people around the globe waited with bated breath to hear from Joe Biden, the leader of the Free, for now, World,’ the comedian began.
‘His press conference was delayed by over an hour, presumably because the President was running late or more likely, waddling late.
‘And you know it was serious because of how it was being billed by the White House. A big boy press conference. And that’s technically correct if you’re using the Benjamin Button definition of ‘boy’.
‘Biden, who is 81 but doesn’t look a day over 90, spoke smoothly on a variety of issues and allayed voters’ fears about his age, is what I wish I could tell you.’
‘Well, he didn’t miss,’ Seven anchor Angela Cox said at the end of the segment.
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