Network Ten said it was in discussions with Quartermain about a substantive role to continue his
long association with the network.

“I would like to pay tribute to Stephen Quartermain, who has fronted our Melbourne
bulletin for more than four years," Ten’s network director of news content Ross Dagan said.

"He is a class act and we appreciate all he has done, not just in the news chair, but over his many years with the network, particularly in sport."

Dagan also welcomed Keyte back to Network Ten.

“Jennifer and Mike are institutions of the Melbourne media profession and will make a fantastic team, bringing Victorians the best of international, national and local news coverage," he said.

Keyte started her career as a cadet with Melbourne radio station EON-FM before she switched to television in 1982.

In the early 1990s, she became the first woman to host a prime time news bulletin solo on Australian commercial television.

In a statement on Wednesday evening, Channel Seven wished Keyte the best for her future role.

"Jen and Channel Seven have enjoyed a wonderful relationship during her time with 7News,
covering every major news event since re-joining the news room in 2003," the statement read.

"Jen leaves Channel 7 on the best of terms and takes with her our respect and very best
wishes."