Seven West Media appoints Anthony De Ceglie to new Sydney-based role, farewells Craig McPherson

Seven West Media has unveiled several significant changes as it sharpens its focus on the future of news media across Australia.

West Australian Newspapers Editor-in-Chief Anthony De Ceglie will step into a new executive role as the Director of News and Current Affairs and Seven West Media Editor-in-Chief, based in Sydney.

The role will commence on April 30 and De Ceglie will be responsible for Australia’s most-watched news and public affairs programs including 7NEWS, Sunrise, The Morning Show, 7NEWS Spotlight and also 7NEWS.com.au.

De Ceglie has been with WAN since 2019, based in Perth and overseeing The West Australian, The Sunday Times, PerthNow and its suburban newspapers, 19 regional newspapers and SWM’s recently launched digital newspaper The Nightly.

SWM chief executive Jeff Howard said De Ceglie brought a “compelling vision” to his new 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,” he said.

“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.”

The appointment follows the decision by Seven Network Director of News and Public Affairs Craig McPherson to step down.

McPherson has played a pivotal role in leading Seven’s news and public affairs over two stints at the network, which is the most-watched news service nationally since 2015.

“Craig has been one of Australia’s preeminent news leaders and we wish him all the best for the future,” Mr Howard said.

De Ceglie said it was an “absolute privilege” to step into the role.

“I can’t wait to work with the many, many brilliant creative people across the network who put all our products to air,” he said.

McPherson thanked the “phenomenal” news directors and staff he had worked with over the years.

“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.

“I’ll be taking a long break to spend time with all my family and wish everyone at the network continued success.”

Former editor-in-chief of The Australian, Chris Dore, will take the role of Acting Editor of The West Australian and other WAN titles, while SWM appoints a successor.