Seven West Media (SWM) has appointed Anthony De Ceglie as the Director of News and Current Affairs and Editor-in-Chief, following the decision of current Seven Network Director of News and Public Affairs, Craig McPherson, to step down.

The shift to SWM's editorial leadership comes weeks after Jeff Howard stepped in as the media company's chief executive, after James Warburton's exit was fast-tracked amid multiple controversies faced by the network.

McPherson will be taking a "break" to spend time with family, and thanked Seven West Media Chairman Kerry Stokes AC, CEOs past and present, and all the staff for their unwavering support during his tenure.

“It’s a decision I have been considering for a while and believe now is a good time for all to have a fresh start,” he said. “To the hundreds of staff who represent the 7NEWS brand across Australia and the globe, you bring it all to our viewers' homes every day and night.

McPherson led Seven's News and Public Affairs offering over two stints, including a long period of success helming Today Tonight. Under McPherson's leadership, 7NEWS has been the most-watched news service nationally since 2015, and in the capital cities since 2016.

“To the phenomenal News Directors in every market and the leaders of Sunrise, The Morning Show and our Digital team, you are central to why we have been and remain Australia’s #1 news for the past nine years,” he said.

De Ceglie, who is currently the Editor-in-Chief of The West Australian, The Sunday Times, Perth Now and its suburban newspapers, along with 19 regional newspapers and SWM's recently launched The Nightly digital newspaper, will now be responsible for some of Australia's most-watched News and Public Affairs programs, including 7NEWS, Sunrise, The Morning Show and 7NEWS Spotlight, as well as 7NEWS.com.au.

"It's an absolute privilege and honour to step into one of the most important roles in news in the country, and to do such at such a pivotal and important time for our industry. I can't wait to work with the many, many brilliant creative people across the network who put all our products to air," said De Ceglie.

De Ceglie has been with SWM since early 2019, based in Perth. Prior to joining SWM, he spent over 11 years in various roles at News Corp Australia. His new role will see him relocate to Sydney, with his tenure commencing on 30 April 2024.

"Anthony brings a compelling vision to the Director of News and Current Affairs and Editor-in-Chief of Seven West Media role. His absolute focus on news gathering and storytelling will underpin his approach, while his knowledge of digital and his innovative mindset will be just what SWM needs as we continue to build a better media business," said Howard. "This appointment reflects our ambition to think differently about the future of media in Australia. I look forward to working with Anthony in his new role. Craig has been one of Australia's preeminent news leaders and we wish him all the best for the future."

To support De Ceglie's transition to his new role, Chris Dore, former Editor-in-Chief of The Australian, has been appointed to the role of Acting Editor of The West Australian and other West Australian Newspapers titles. Dore will continue to write for The Nightly. The network has said De Ceglie's successor at The West Australian and related products will be announced in due course.