Seven Melbourne news director Simon Pristel to leave at end of year
Channel Seven Melbourne’s director of news, Simon Pristel, is to leave television at the end of the year to establish his own communications company.
Pristel was appointed Seven Melbourne’s director of news in 2012, after four years editing the Herald-Sun. During his tenure leading the Herald-Sun, he famously blamed Google after the paper leaked the winners of the Logie Awards.
Simon Pristel: “It has been a tremendous privilege leading the talented and passionate Seven News team”
Addressing the Seven newsroom yesterday afternoon, Pristel said: “It has been a tremendous privilege leading the talented and passionate Seven News team.
“The newsroom is in great shape for the future and I look forward to working closely with Craig and Lewis to deliver a smooth transition to new leadership group.”
Seven’s network director of news and public affairs Craig McPherson added: “Simon leaves Seven News Melbourne in great shape. Under his stewardship the news hour has undergone substantial change and seen impressive growth.
“His commitment, passion and leadership has set us up well for the future.
“I wish him nothing but success as he takes those traits into the business world.”
Managing Director, Channel Seven Melbourne Lewis Martin added: “Simon is a highly regarded newsman across the complex news gathering landscape.
“No one knows Melbourne, and what makes Melbourne tick, better than Simon.
“This knowledge and his passion for news is what sets him apart from the rest.
“He leaves Seven Melbourne with our respect and deep appreciation for a job well done.”
