Seven West Media is undergoing a major shake-up, with Director of News and Current Affairs and editor-in-chief, Anthony De Ceglie, set to depart the business.
The Australian Rugby League Commission has named him as the inaugural chief executive officer for the NRL team, the Perth Bears.
Peter V’landys, chairman of the Australian Rugby League Commission, said in a release: “To succeed in Perth, you need a well connected local who knows how to get things done and has a can do attitude.
“Anthony is a brilliant operator with a proven track record and a genuine Western Australian, and I am excited about what he can do for us as we grow rugby league in the WA market.”
The AFR describes De Ceglie, 39, as one of “Kerry Stokes’ [Channel 7 chairman] most senior lieutenants.”
The Nightly’s Anthony De Ceglie
In his short tenure as news director, De Ceglie – who relocated to Sydney for the role – was responsible for a restructure of Seven’s news operations, most notably establishing a centralised National News Desk.
But he courted controversy after taking the helm without any experience in working in TV or TV news.
He was responsible for introducing the network’s news coverage by adding horoscope readings to the 6pm bulletin and bringing in a weekly satire segment on a Friday which was quietly dropped.
His leadership covered 7NEWS, Sunrise, The Morning Show and 7NEWS: Spotlight and 7NEWS.com.au.
Seven have been contacted for comment.