Craig McPherson steps down from Seven, successor named
Seven West Media’s (SWM) director of news and public affairs, Craig McPherson, has stepped down from the role, with his replacement named on Monday.
Anthony De Ceglie will take of the title of director of news and current affairs and editor-in-chief at Seven West Media.
Currently editor-in-chief at Seven’s The West Australian, The Sunday Times, PerthNow and its suburban newspapers, 19 regional newspapers and recently launched digital newspaper, The Nightly, De Ceglie has spent over five years at SWM.
De Ceglie
McPherson, who will be taking a “long break” to spend time with his family, thanked SWM’s chairman, Kerry Stokes AC, CEOs past and present, and all the staff for their “unwavering support” during his tenure.
“It’s a decision I have been considering for a while and believe now is a good time for all to have a fresh start,” he said.
Seven has been in hot water recently over a number of controversies including an expenses scandal investigation by the Sydney Morning Herald, a former Spotlight producer claiming the network paid for drugs, sex workers and more to secure an interview with Bruce Lehrmann, and more.
“To the hundreds of staff who represent the 7NEWS brand across Australia and the globe, you bring it all to our viewers’ homes every day and night,” McPherson continued.
“To the phenomenal news directors in every market and the leaders of Sunrise, The Morning Show and our digital team, you are central to why we have been and remain Australia’s #1 news for the past nine years.
“As for me, I’ll be taking a long break to spend time with all my family and wish everyone at the network continued success.”
McPherson
In his new role, De Ceglie will oversee 7NEWS, Surnise, The Morning Show, 7NEWS Spotlight and 7NEWS.com.au.
“It’s an absolute privilege and honour to step into one of the most important roles in news in the country, and to do such at such a pivotal and important time for our industry,” he said of his appointment.
“I can’t wait to work with the many, many brilliant creative people across the network who put all our products to air.”
Recently-appointed managing director and CEO, Jeff Howard, said: “Anthony brings a compelling vision to the director of news and current affairs and editor-in-chief of Seven West Media role. His absolute focus on news gathering and storytelling will underpin his approach, while his knowledge of digital and his innovative mindset will be just what SWM needs as we continue to build a better media business.
“This appointment reflects our ambition to think differently about the future of media in Australia. I look forward to working with Anthony in his new role.”
Commenting on McPherson’s departure, Howard said: “Craig has been one of Australia’s preeminent news leaders and we wish him all the best for the future.”
De Ceglie’s successor at The West Australian and its portfolio will be announced in due course.
He will begin the new role on April 30, 2024, based in Sydney.
To support De Ceglie’s transition to his new role, Christopher Dore, former editor-in-chief of The Australian, has been appointed to the role of acting editor of The West Australian and other West Australian newspapers titles.
Dore will continue to write for The Nightly.
Mumbrella has contacted Seven West Media for further information.
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Lauren McNamara is a journalist at Mumbrella, covering the creative and PR beat. She joined in November 2022 as editorial assistant, after completing a Bachelor of Communications (Journalism) at UTS.
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