Christien de Garis: Award-winning journalist appointed as News Director of 7NEWS Perth

Award-winning journalist Christien de Garis has been appointed as the news director of 7NEWS Perth.

Seven announced the appointment, which will take effect in October, on Wednesday.

The Perth-born reporter has more than 20 years experience in broadcast news and government communications.

He began his career with Seven West Media’s regional newspapers in Bunbury and Kalgoorlie before moving to the ABC and Network 10.

He has worked as a senior crime reporter in Perth and Sydney, and has received several media awards for his reporting in WA.

“Coming home to Perth to lead one of the most talented newsrooms in the country is a massive honour,” de Garis said.

“I’ve worked with many of the team over the years, as a journalist and as an advisor.

“That time outside the newsroom only deepened my belief in journalism’s power and purpose.

“I’m proud to return and help build on strength, legacy and momentum on 7NEWS Perth.”

7NEWS news and current affairs director Ray Kuka said de Garis was a “fierce newsman with deep WA roots, strong leadership and a sharp editorial mind”.

“His appointment is a true homecoming, and I’m excited to see him lead this exceptional newsroom,” he said.

“He is an old-school journo who loves exposing hypocrisy, holding power to account and chasing the kinds of stories that get people talking.

“He also knows how to craft great television, from crime rounds to award-winning current affairs.”

Seven West Media chief executive Maryna Fewster congratulated de Garis on his appointment and said she was looking forward to watching 7NEWS Perth grow under his leadership.

“Our newsroom is unique in Australian media – a fully integrated news operation that blends the very best of broadcast journalism in 7NEWS with the heart of SWM’s publishing business,” she said.

“We have two notably experienced journalists leading our newsroom in Christien and Christopher Dore, the editor-in-chief of publishing including The West Australian and The Nightly, who will build a formidable partnership leading their teams that are such an institution in our State.

“It’s no secret that our connection to the community is at the heart of the remarkable success of both 7NEWS in Perth and The West Australian and its print and digital footprint throughout the State.”