Seven News Adelaide boss quits

Graham Archer, Director of News and Public Affairs at Channel Seven Adelaide, has resigned after more than two decades with the network.

Archer started his career at A Current Affair as an editor, researcher, producer and journalist. He also worked for The 7.30 Report and was the supervising producer on Nine’s Sunday program in Sydney.

He returned to Adelaide to establish the local version of Today Tonight which began in 1995, which has since won a record 684 consecutive weeks of official ratings, the longest-running streak ever for a South Australian production.

In 2016 Graham was appointed Director of News and Public Affairs Channel Seven Adelaide. In this role he has overseen the introduction of an extra hour of daily news from 4 -5 pm and has also extended 6pm’s unbeaten ratings record to 469 successive weekly survey wins.

“It’s been a privilege to work for the Seven Network and with the many fine staff members. I hope that through my work at Seven I have contributed to making this State a fairer place,” said Archer.

Seven Network Director of News and Public Affairs, Craig McPherson, said: “I want to thank Graham for his extraordinary career at Channel 7. As one of the founding State EP’s of a new current affairs program launched at the start of 1995, Graham was instrumental in helping Today Tonight become the most watched current affairs program in Australia within a few years. He steered the program to dominance in Adelaide over two decades, along the way mentoring many.

“He stepped into the dual role of Today Tonight EP and Adelaide News Director with the same passion and drive, continuing the success of a fantastic news team.

“We wish him the very best in the next chapter of his life.”

Seven Adelaide Deputy News Director, Chris Salter is promoted to the top position.

Salter has held several senior roles in Adelaide newsrooms, including news executive, producer as well as reporter.

Craig McPherson said: “Chris has a tremendous track record in newspapers and TV newsrooms, the last 2 years as Deputy News Director. He knows the market and what’s required to lead such a talented newsroom.”

Salter said: “I’m honoured to be taking the reins of Adelaide’s leading television news service.

“Presenters Jane Doyle and John Riddell are legends of the industry. Behind them are dozens of incredibly talented reporters, camera operators, producers, editors, graphic designers and studio crew. I’m looking forward to building on the success created by my predecessors.”