Seven is doubling down on its push to unify editorial vision and commercial ambition, appointing seasoned newsman Sean Power to the newly created role of Director of News Integration and Strategy.
Power, who has spent the past seven years inside Seven’s newsroom engine, most recently as Director of 7NEWS Sydney and previously Executive Producer of Sunrise, steps into a national role that signals the network’s evolving approach to news delivery across screens.
He’ll be charged with overseeing how nightly news content lands across all of Seven’s platforms: from traditional linear broadcasts to digital products like 7NEWS.com.au, 7plus, and The Nightly, plus social media extensions. In essence, Power becomes the connective tissue between editorial ambition and platform strategy.
Seven’s Director of News and Current Affairs, Ray Kuka, described the appointment as “critical” to unlocking the full potential of the network’s journalism. “So much of our incredible news gathering ends up on the cutting room floor,” he said. “Sean will enhance our delivery of news and make sure our audiences everywhere know about our exclusive and investigative content.”
Ray Kuka.
A newsroom realignment
Power’s new role will see him return to his hometown of Melbourne, where he’ll lead the development of a national news program to be broadcast from Seven’s newly opened, state-of-the-art studios.
The investment in infrastructure and editorial muscle in Melbourne reflects Seven’s broader ambition to make its news product more nationally resonant, and commercially scalable.
Power will also partner with National News Desk Director and Foreign Editor Hugh Whitfeld on Seven’s biggest news moments, while acting as a strategic bridge between the network’s programming, comms, and marketing departments to amplify news across all channels.
“It’s a privilege to work alongside Australia’s sharpest journalists,” Power said in a statement. “We’re building on the best of 7NEWS, sharpening our storytelling, growing our audience, and driving the next chapter with purpose and pace.”
Power will also collaborate closely with Seven’s Sales and Partnerships teams to identify new revenue opportunities, including branded integrations and sponsored content aligned with the news division’s strengths in public affairs and investigations.
Geoff Dunn steps in, Gemma Acton steps out
In Sydney, the newsroom will see another familiar face step into the fold. Geoff Dunn, a stalwart of Seven’s Sydney operations, has been appointed Acting Director of 7NEWS Sydney while the leadership team finalises a longer-term restructure. With more than 20 years in the city’s newsroom, Dunn brings stability, deep local knowledge, and newsroom respect to the interim role.
Meanwhile, Seven has confirmed the departure of Gemma Acton, Director of News Operations, who is relocating to Dubai with her family for a new opportunity. Acton has been instrumental in shaping the newsroom’s operational backbone over the past seven years and has been quietly transitioning out of the role in recent weeks.
Kuka praised her “dedication, professionalism, and mentorship,” calling her contribution “lasting and significant.”
The shake-up follows the exit of Anthony De Ceglie, who is leaving the Director of News and Current Affairs post just over a year after stepping into the top job. In a surprising twist, De Ceglie is not jumping to another newsroom, but heading into sports, as the newly appointed CEO of the Perth Bears, the NRL’s long-awaited expansion team.