Christien de Garis has been appointed News Director of 7NEWS Perth, effective October 2025, returning to Seven West Media where he began his journalism career.
De Garis will report to Ray Kuka, Director of News and Current Affairs at the Seven Network. He also joins the Seven West Media (WA) executive team, reporting to CEO Maryna Fewster.
With more than 20 years of experience spanning broadcast journalism, government communications, and branded content, de Garis has held roles at the ABC, Network 10 and previously Seven Perth. He most recently led a creative content team in the advertising industry, delivering campaigns for national and international brands.
He began his career in WA with Seven West Media’s regional newspapers in Bunbury and Kalgoorlie. His reporting work includes stints as a senior crime reporter during the Brothers 4 Life gang war in Sydney, and a senior advisory position in the WA Government.
His journalism has been recognised with three WA Media Awards, including Best Television for 7NEWS Flashpoint’s COVID-19 documentary (2020), Best Regional News Coverage for the ABC’s Esperance bushfires coronial inquest (2019), and Best Broadcast Feature for longform work on ABC Stateline (2008).
Kuka said de Garis was “a fierce newsman with deep WA roots, strong leadership and a sharp editorial mind. His appointment is a true homecoming.”
“He’s an old-school journo who loves exposing hypocrisy, holding power to account and chasing the kinds of stories that get people talking. He also knows how to craft great television – from crime rounds to award-winning current affairs,” Kuka said.
De Garis added: “Coming home to Perth to lead one of the most talented newsrooms in the country is a massive honour. That time outside the newsroom only deepened my belief in journalism’s power and purpose.”
Fewster said de Garis and Christopher Dore, Editor-in-Chief of publishing, would form a strong leadership team for SWM’s integrated newsroom model.
“Our newsroom is unique in Australian media – a fully integrated news operation that blends the very best of broadcast journalism in 7NEWS with the heart of SWM’s publishing business,” she said. “Broadcasting will continue to grow and evolve under Christien’s leadership.”
Separately, Geoff Dunn has been confirmed as News Director for 7NEWS Sydney, after serving in the role in an acting capacity. Dunn has worked at 7NEWS Sydney for nearly 30 years, including more than two decades as Executive Producer of the 6pm bulletin.
Kuka said: “Geoff knows this newsroom and this city like few others. He’s earned the trust of his team, brings a deep editorial instinct, and leads with calm and clarity.”
Dunn added: “It’s a privilege to lead the Sydney newsroom. This team delivers exceptional journalism every day, and I’m proud to continue working alongside them.”