Seven West Media has appointed Ray Kuka, the long-serving 7NEWS Perth News Director and current Deputy Director of News, to replace Seven’s Director of News and Current Affairs and Editor-in-Chief, Anthony De Ceglie after just a year in the role.
De Ceglie, formerly Editor-in-Chief of The West Australian and the launch editor of PDF newspaper The Nightly, will return to Perth from Sydney where he will take up the role of inaugural chief executive of NRL’s Perth Bears.
With more than two decades working for Seven, Kuka has been instrumental in maintaining the station’s dominance in the local Perth news market, and more recently working with other News Directors across the organisation. He will start his new role on 19 May and De Ceglie will leave the company on 30 May.
Kuka’s appointment underscores Seven West Media’s focus on a much-needed return to strength for its news division and ensuring consistent, high-quality journalism across its national network.
Ray Kuka.
SWM Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Jeff Howard, said: “Ray will build on the drive for high quality journalism that defines our news services. The continued integration with sport and the progress we have made building 7NEWS’ digital presence will also remain priorities.”
Howard also confirmed more changes to the Seven leadership team with a promotion for popular Sunrise boss, Sarah Stinson.
“In addition to Ray’s appointment, we have taken the opportunity to bolster our executive team, to ensure we continue to deliver our strategic objectives and future ambition,” he said. “To that end, we are also excited to announce that Sarah Stinson, Director of Morning Television, will join the SWM executive team.”
Seven’s dominance in the 6pm news bulletin across capital cities has dropped in recent months.
Over the past year De Ceglie has courted controversy after taking the helm without any experience working in TV.
His leadership covered 7NEWS, Sunrise, The Morning Show and 7NEWS: Spotlight and 7NEWS.com.au.
Anthony De Ceglie
Throughout his short tenure, De Ceglie attempted to revitalise the network’s news coverage by adding horoscope readings to the 6pm bulletin and bringing in a weekly satire segment with comedian Mark Humphries on a Friday at 6.57pm which was quietly dropped after a negative reaction from viewers.
“We need more risk-taking in our industry – not less – if we want to compete,” said De Ceglie as it launched.
Mediaweek understands news of Kuka’s appointment was greeted favourably by staff across the 7NEWS network.
Kuka began his career as a reporter at Seven in Sydney before moving to Perth, where he quickly developed strength and influence over Seven’s presence in the local market.
Known for his strong work ethic and ambition, Kuka is well-liked and respected at Seven by both journalists, production staff and SWM bosses.
“I am already so proud to be part of the Seven newsrooms that deliver the best daily stories and the best coverage of major events,” said Kuka following the announcement.
“Now being charged with leading them is next level and a privilege I’ll never take for granted. I love working in television and can’t wait to see what the future brings our staff and our audiences.”
Kuka has played a crucial leadership role in recent months.
He was flown into Queensland to reassure staff following newsreader Sharyn Ghidella’s unpopular departure, and was placed in charge of the production of the channel’s leadership debate between Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton.
“This is a clear indication of Seven’s determination to get back on top,” one source confirmed to Mediaweek.
Kuka’s successor for Perth News Director will be announced soon.