Rebecca Maddern, Karina Cavalho: Tensions over top newsreader role surface at Channel Seven Melbourne

The arrival of a former ABC TV presenter at Channel Seven’s Melbourne office has caused quite a stir, particularly for respected news and sport presenter Rebecca Maddern.

Seven sources told Daily Mail Australia the 47-year-old presenter has concerns about her role at the network, following the recent appointment of Carvalho (43) and the sacking of dozens of network staff across the country.

Cavalho reported this weekend that Maddern will be taking over as the evening news anchor alongside Mike Amor after she flew abroad for a family wedding. Maddern is expected to be out of the picture until September.

Meanwhile, insiders said Maddern was furious when she arrived at the network’s Docklands studios to find Cavalho had already finished filming what she had expected to be completed.

“Some staff believe Karina was brought in to replace Bec,” an insider told Daily Mail Australia, noting that Maddern has been “very public” in defending her place on the newsroom floor of late.

But senior Seven insiders pushed back, arguing that Maddern was too valuable to the network’s news and sport departments and that the station needed more experienced female presenters.

According to sources, Maddern has a long-term contract and is highly valued by the station.

Behind the scenes, Maddern is supported by her loyal colleagues who talk her through the difficult new dynamics.

Rebecca Maddern is said to be nervous about being replaced by Karina Cavalho, who is filling in for her while she is on holiday.

Last month it was announced that veteran journalist Karina Carvalho will join 7NEWS Melbourne in a dynamic new role, presenting and reporting from the field

“Bec came to work to do the pre-shooting, but was told Karina had already done that,” they said.

‘But Bec would insist on playing her recording – and the producers would do it because they support her. There’s a real tension there.’

It is not the first time Maddern has been the subject of intrigue in the Melbourne newsroom.

Two years ago, local news personality Jacqui Felgate was said to be ‘less than impressed’ when Maddern was ‘parachuted’ into the newsreading job following her move from Nine. Felgate quit seven months later.

Last month it was announced that the “energetic” and “passionate” Calvalho would join the network and report on Maddern while she was on “scheduled leave”.

“I am delighted to be joining the world-class 7NEWS team in Melbourne and look forward to making a valuable contribution to the network’s continued success,” Carvalho said at the time.

‘Melbourne continues to have the most engaged audience in the country when it comes to news and sport, and it is an honour to be part of the Seven newsroom here.’

Karina Cavalho co-presents the 6pm weekend news with Mike Amor – replacing Maddern

Rebecca and her cameraman husband Trent Miller are currently in London

New Director of News and Current Affairs Chris Salter Tests Karina Cavalho While She’s on ‘Planned Leave’

It was reported at the time that Jacquie Felgate was ‘less than impressed’ when Maddern was ‘parachuted’ into the top newsreader job following her move from Nine

A TV insider noted that the appointment of new news director Chris Salter, with whom she reportedly has little contact, would have worried Maddern.

The free-to-air broadcaster has implemented a wave of staff cuts, with 150 employees reportedly laid off.

It comes just weeks after Channel Seven announced a restructuring of its operations.

Earlier this month, veteran Brisbane presenter Sharyn Ghidella and Gold Coast weatherman Paul Burt were sacked.

Other big names selected included crime reporters Rob Ovadia in Sydney and Cameron Baud in Melbourne.

Attention to the network will only increase when ABC’s Four Corners airs a documentary on the culture at Seven on Monday night.

Last week there was a promo featuring former Seven employees Olivia Babb and Amber Harrison speaking on the show.