Madelaine Collignon and Kenny Heatley are combining to replace Freya Cole who had read the commercial television station’s news since April 2015.

Since the presentation of the news was shifted from Lavington to Canberra in 2011 it has also been hosted by Daniel Gibson and Natalie Forrest.

Cole is leaving Prime7 to report for Seven news.

Collignon and Heatley will debut on Monday February 13.

The dual-host format will give Prime7 a point of difference with its existing Border news rival WIN News as well as the looming regional-national Nine News.

Prime7 news chief Paul Patrick said the change was part of a shake-up to meet increased competition.

“Madelaine and Kenny will be a formidable duo up front in what is only the first of many changes Prime7 is unveiling over the coming weeks as we herald a new approach to news reporting,” Mr Patrick said.

“Prime7 is committed to a full half hour of local news to ensure that every local issue is investigated, every local event celebrated, and each and every government decision affecting our viewers is scrutinised and interrogated.”

WIN News has recently ramped up its promotion with a focus on host Bruce Roberts.

Nine News has also been recruiting with three journalists to be based in Albury for what will be a combined Border-Goulburn Valley bulletin hosted by Jo Hall.

It is expected to debut on-air in early March and will replace the existing news bulletin hosted by Peter Hitchener.

Collignon and Heatley have both presented the weather on the Border Prime7 bulletin in recent years.

They are also recent parents with Collignon giving birth to son Darcy and Heatley a father to daugher Riley.

“As a new mum coming back to work, it's great to be teaming up with new dad Kenny, he's a great talent with a terrific track record in journalism - together we'll ensure the local news is brought to viewers in a refreshing and interesting, but always informative way,” Collignon said.

Heatley grew up on an apple orchard at Batlow.