Channel Seven news boss Anthony De Ceglie is leaving the network after a year of slashing jobs while trying to boost ratings to take on a new role with the NRL.
The Fremantle-born journalist, considered Seven Network chairman Kerry Stokes’ right-hand man, was the former editor-in-chief of The West Australian newspaper before he took on the top editorial role for Seven West Media in April 2024.
Just over a year later, the 39-year-old is leaving the media game to become the first CEO of the Perth Bears. He will reportedly be replaced by veteran Ray Kuka, who is currently Seven’s Perth news director.
It was confirmed last week the Bears would join the national competition in 2027 and the NRL is preparing to appoint a seven-person board and a coach to work with De Ceglie, whose position was confirmed by NRL chairman Peter V’landys on Thursday.
As director of news and current affairs and editor-in-chief for Seven West, De Ceglie was responsible for 7NEWS, Sunrise, The Morning Show, Spotlight and the online news website in addition to the WA newspapers.
During his first 12 months he introduced national online newspaper The Nightly and improved The West Australian’s performance, but news ratings struggled as he introduced horoscope readings and a satire segment to Seven’s news bulletins.
The 6.57pm News, as the satire slot hosted by comedian Mark Humphries was dubbed, was an attempt to bring in a younger audience but was axed over the summer ratings break, as was the astrology segment hosted by Natasha Weber.
De Ceglie’s appointment followed a period of upheaval at Seven sparked by the Spotlight scandal, in which the news program was accused of offering cocaine and sex workers to Bruce Lehrmann to secure an exclusive interview.
Seven West Media director of news and current affairs Anthony De Ceglie (pictured) is taking on the CEO job for the NRL’s newest team, the Perth Bears
His first few months were spent cutting costs at the network which involved slashing about 150 jobs, including popular newsreader Sharyn Ghidella and the Sydney and Melbourne news directors.
V’landys said De Ceglie’s appointment was an important step forward for the code in Western Australia.
‘To succeed in Perth, you need a well-connected local who knows how to get things done and has a can do attitude,’ he said.
‘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.’
A board is expected to be implemented for the league’s 18th team within the next month.
Former state Labor minister Peter Tinley is among those rumoured to be considered for the role as one of at least three WA directors.
That will clear the way for a coach to be named, with Brad Arthur the favourite to mentor the team and Sam Burgess also interested.
Off the field, local officials are confident they can amass a significant following.
Veteran Channel Seven presenter Sharyn Ghidella (pictured right) was let go from the network after almost four decades in the industry
Seven axed its satirical news segment hosted by comedian Mark Humphries (pictured) as its news ratings struggled against rival Channel Nine
Next month’s State of Origin game at the 60,000-seat Optus Stadium is expected to be the third straight to sell out in Perth.
NRL double-headers have also attracted crowds of between 30,000 and 46,000 in Perth.
There is potential for strong support from devotees from the Western Reds days of the mid-1990s, along with ex-pats from both the east coast and England.
‘I believe if this is done really meticulously and professionally, I would say 30,000 local members. I think 30,000 is achievable,’ NRL WA CEO John Sackson said.
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Channel 7 boss Anthony De Ceglie to leave the network after ratings flop and controversial changes