Rob Raschke and Chris Willis out, replaced by Jason Morrison as Seven shakes up news
Channel Seven’s longstanding network director of news Rob Raschke is departing after 18 years in the role while its Sydney director of news Chris Willis is also departing the broadcaster after 24 years as part of an overhaul of operations there.
The major changes come on Craig McPherson the new director of news and public affairs at Seven’s first day, with Raschke’s future having been called into question after the appointment.
Seven has already announced a replacement for Willis with former Radio 2GB/2UE broadcaster Jason Morrison to head the Sydney newsrooms.
The overhaul comes as Seven tries to regain top spot in the 6pm news battle with fierce rivals Nine, with the network trailing nationally for most of this year.
When it was announced McPherson was returning from Nine to the new role Seven told Mumbrella it would not affect Raschke’s position.
In a statement this afternoon Seven West Media CEO Tim Worner said: “After a mighty 18-year campaign, in the thick of the cut and thrust of daily news, Rob has established a body of work of which he can be very proud. He has helped identify and launch the careers of a legion of news people and leaves the Seven News teams across the nation in good shape.”
Raschke
Raschke said: “For the past 18 and a half years, it’s been an honour to have worked for a proprietor like Kerry Stokes.
“In that time I’ve had the most amazing opportunities. I’ve covered three Olympic Games, travelled with peace keepers to East Timor and covered more state and federal elections than I thought possible.
“I’ve worked alongside the best of the best from reporters, producers, camera operators and editors. It’s been a fantastic ride and I’m certain there are more to come. I wish Seven News and everyone across the network the very best.”
Morrison
The appointment of Morrison comes some two years after he departed Radio 2UE after stints as the station’s breakfast and drive-time presenter.
He is a former news editor of the Ten Network who has also won Australian radio’s highest industry award for Excellence in Broadcast Journalism, The Brian White Memorial Award.
Morrison starts the new role on Monday.
Nic Christensen
