Seven West Media (SWM) has announced the appointment of Ray Kuka as Director of News and Current Affairs.

Kuka has been an integral part of the 7NEWS team for more than two decades after originally joining the 7NEWS Brisbane team as an intern while at university.

He went on to work for Seven in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, London and China.

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Kuka is currently SWM’s Deputy Director of News and Current Affairs and Director of News in Perth. He has been consistently delivering audience wins in one of Australia’s most important and growing markets, and has been responsible for Seven’s major news events coverage for almost a decade.

In his new role, commencing 19 May 2025, Kuka will be responsible for Australia’s most-watched news and current affairs programming.

“Ray will build on the drive for high quality journalism that defines our news services. The continued integration with sport and the progress we have made building 7NEWS’ digital presence will also remain priorities,” SWM Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Jeff Howard, said.

Kuka’s appointment follows the decision by current SWM Director of News and Current Affairs, Anthony De Ceglie, to take an external opportunity.

De Ceglie has been an integral part of Seven West Media since 2019. During this time, Anthony has driven change and innovation, including the launch of a new National digital newspaper, The Nightly, a national news desk and a new midday bulletin.

Howard said: “Anthony has made a significant contribution to Seven West, in particular to 7NEWS over the last 12 months, and we wish him all the best for the future in his new role, as CEO of the new NRL team in Perth.”

De Ceglie said: “I have loved every minute of my six-years at Seven West Media, both as Editor-in-Chief of West Australian Newspapers and more recently as the Director of News and Current Affairs at Seven.”

“The support and guidance from everyone has always been incredible and I am forever grateful.”

Kuka said: “I am already so proud to be part of the Seven newsrooms that deliver the best daily stories and the best coverage of major events.

“Now being charged with leading them is next level and a privilege I’ll never take for granted. I love working in television and can’t wait to see what the future brings our staff and our audiences.”

Kuka’s successor for Perth News Director will be announced in due course. De Ceglie will support Mr Kuka through the transition before his last day on 30 May 2025.

SWM Chairman, Mr Kerry Stokes AC, said: “We thank Anthony for his contribution and leadership and wish him every success in his future role, which sees him return to Perth.

“The SWM team is full of the best operators in the business. Ray is the ideal person to lead Australia’s number one News and Current Affairs team to an even better future.”

Howard said: “Ray will bring a new, fresh perspective on news innovation as we continue to be Australia’s unmissable choice for news, sport and entertainment. I look forward to working with him in his new role.

“In addition to Ray’s appointment, we have taken the opportunity to bolster our executive team, to ensure we continue to deliver our strategic objectives and future ambition. To that end, we are also excited to announce that Sarah Stinson, Director of Morning Television, will join the SWM executive team.”