Veteran journalist Chris Bath has announced her decision to leave Channel Seven after 20 years on the air, to be replaced by former Sunrise host Melissa Doyle.

Bath revealed she would be leaving the network on Tuesday, saying it was “a very big decision”.

• Leigh Sales climbs back to the top
• Married at First Sight: an unreal reality TV show

“I’m very grateful for the past wonderful 20 years at Seven,” Bath said in a statement.

“It has been a tough decision to leave, but years ago I left a great job in regional television because I didn’t want to say ‘What if?’ about life, and I feel with all that experience on board now, the time is right again to explore new horizons.”

The newsreader, who also appeared on hit reality show Dancing With The Stars, reportedly does not have another role lined up.

The Australian claimed Bath’s exit was the result of a pay dispute following an alleged decision from executives to lower her salary from $800,000 to $500,000.

This was reportedly to reflect her shift from reading the news every weeknight to only on Friday and Saturday nights.

Bath reportedly then refused to accept less than $700,000.

The network announced Doyle as Bath’s replacement to read the Sydney 6pm bulletin on Fridays and Saturdays as well as hosting their flagship public affairs program Sunday Night.

My sincere best wishes to @ChrisBath7 as she starts a new chapter. I have big shoes to fill. #sn7

— Melissa Doyle (@melissadoyle) June 16, 2015