Seven News boss to step down

Seven’s News and Current Affairs boss Peter Meakin will step down from his role, with Rob Raschke to head up News and Neil Mooney to become Director of Public Affairs.

Meakin, 70, will remain with Seven in a consultative role.

“It’s time to pull the plug on this chapter of my life,” he said.

“It’s been a wonderful nine years and I want to thank everyone who has taken Seven to the top.

“That includes Kerry Stokes, David Leckie, Tim Worner and all the great people who made me look better than I am.

“The credit for our market leadership belongs to those who host and produce our programmes, the reporters, cameramen, sound recordists, editors and hundreds of other dedicated professionals too numerous to name. I am confident that I leave this division in the very best of hands. The best thing about leaving now is that I can read my obituaries while I’m still alive. And, if they’re unflattering, I can sue.”

Meakin joined Seven from the Nine Network in 2003 and has overseen the network’s rise in its News and Public Affairs.

Under his direction Seven News, Today Tonight, Sunrise and The Morning Show emerged as the leaders in their fields. Meakin has been widely acknowledged as a man who knows how to tell News to a broad audience. Such is his passion for chasing a story, he has previously said he would have to be carried out “in a box.”

But there have also been controversies including a Seven News expose on NSW politician David Campbell and three drink driving offences, leading to a license suspension and community service.

Seven West Media Chairman Kerry Stokes, said: “Peter is a legend. Nine years ago, I set out to secure his services for Seven. He agreed to join our network as it set its sights on leadership, and today his track record speaks for itself: with his leadership of market-leading news and public affairs at two television networks over the past two decades. There’s no one quite like Meakin. He has played a most critical role in driving home our leadership and I’m pleased that he’ll continue to play a key role as we identify and nurture our future in news and public affairs on the Seven Network.”

Seven Network CEO, Tim Worner said: “Working alongside Peter has been a great privilege and an experience I’m pleased to report we have both survived. Peter’s achievements over his stellar career are to be celebrated, in particular his time here where he has played a key role in Seven’s success. Because of the sheer volume of news and public affairs programming on Seven, going forward the role will be split into two senior executive positions. This change of structure recognises our commitment to what is a critical part of our business. We intend to grow our Seven News and public affairs offering in 2013.”

Brisbane News Director Rob Raschke, who has long been rumoured as a possible successor, whilst former Today Tonight and A Current Affair producer Neil Mooney takes on Director of Public Affairs.

Meakin is understood to be overseeing a transition of roles with his current contract ending in June.