Seven has announced significant changes to the structure of its national news operations and Martin Place Sydney newsroom.
The recently appointed Network Director of News and Public Affairs, Craig McPherson, has commenced his role today, taking on management responsibility for Seven News, Sunday Night, Sunrise, The Morning Show, The Daily Edition and Today Tonight in the program’s two major metropolitan markets.
Rob Raschke will step down from his current role as Network Director of News.
Tim Worner, CEO Seven West Media paid tribute to Rob; “After a mighty 18-year campaign, in the thick of the cut and thrust of daily news, Rob has established a body of work of which he can be very proud. He has helped identify and launch the careers of a legion of news people and leaves the Seven News teams across the nation in good shape.”
Raschke said: “For the past 18 and a half years, it’s been an honour to have worked for a proprietor like Kerry Stokes. In that time I’ve had the most amazing opportunities. I’ve covered three Olympic Games, travelled with peace keepers to East Timor and covered more state and federal elections than I thought possible. I’ve worked alongside the best of the best from reporters, producers, camera operators and editors. It’s been a fantastic ride and I’m certain there are more to come. I wish Seven News and everyone across the Network the very best.”
After a career in journalism spanning 41 years, 24 of which have been with Seven, Sydney Director of News Chris Willis will step aside from that role, effective immediately.
Worner said: “There is nothing in the business of television news that Chris has not dealt with. Every major news event in the last three decades has passed over Chris’s desk, his professionalism and leadership during these times places Chris in a league of his own”
Willis said: “It’s been a great privilege to work with the team of people in the Newsroom, both here in Sydney and previously in Adelaide. A highlight during the 24 years with Seven has been the six years in Sydney while we were the #1 news service. It’s also been a privilege working under the leadership of Kerry Stokes, David Leckie and most recently Tim Worner. The News team we have assembled here is one of the best in the business. I thank you all for your support and enthusiasm. I have known and worked alongside Craig McPherson for ten years, he is as straight as they come. You are in very good hands and I wish you all every success.”
McPherson has announced the appointment of Jason Morrison to the role of Sydney Director of News. “I’ve known Jason for some time,” Craig said. “He’s a born leader with a brilliant news sense. He’s Sydney from his bootstraps to his gingertop. He was an outstanding TV type before chasing multimedia glory. He’s taking over from one of the best and I’m extremely confident he’ll flourish at the helm of an extraordinarily talented and dedicated news team.”
Morrison will take up his new role on Monday.