Seven’s prime-time evening news bulletin may be set for a refresh, with reports the network has hired satirical comedian Mark Humphries.

Humphries, whose satirical sketch segment for ABC’s 7.30 ended last year, is reported to be an addition to Seven’s Sydney 6pm news bulletin, fronted by long-time anchor Mark Ferguson.

Humphries’ management and Seven did not respond to requests for comment, but Humphries did acknowledge rumours on social media.

Posting a screenshot of The Australian‘s article on his X and Instagram, Humphries captioned the image with a cryptic, “I’m as shocked as you are.”

The comedian appeared to confirm his new job. Photo: TND/Instagram/@humphriesmark

He was a bit more clear on his Instagram story.

“Strange but true,” he wrote.

The appointment was reportedly made by new Seven West Media director of news and current affairs and editor-in-chief, Anthony De Ceglie.

De Ceglie replaced Craig McPherson, who resigned in April amid the fallout over a 2023 Spotlight interview with Bruce Lehrmann.

The Australian reported Humphries was seen laughing and enjoying “a sit-down chat and a cuppa” in a meeting with De Ceglie at Seven’s Eveleigh offices.

Humphries has reportedly been given a weekly slot on the 6pm news bulletin with the hope that his comedy chops will enliven it.

This foray into news would not be a first for the comedian; he previously produced and performed sketches for 7.30 for five years.

“There is so little scripted comedy produced in this country, that even being able to produce [two to three minutes] of it a fortnight on a news and current affairs show is a tremendous privilege,” he wrote on social media after leaving the show in 2023.

“The time has come for us to pursue making content outside of the parameters of [two to three] minute sketches. What might that look like? Four-minute sketches? Five? Only time will tell.”

Humphries is also known for his work on SBS Viceland’s The Feed, ABC2’s The Roast, and for hosting the Network Ten quiz show Pointless between 2018 and 2019.