James Warburton, who heads Australian network Seven, has stepped down, effective immediately.
He had already been planning to exit his Managing Director and CEO role at Seven parent Seven West Media (Swm) in June, but an update to the Australian Stock Exchange revealed finishes today.
Swm Chief Financial Officer Jeff Howard will replace him tomorrow, with Craig Haskins becoming Acting CFO until a replacement is found.
Swm Chairman Kerry Stokes and Howard both thanked Warburton for “his contribution to the business over many years.”
The well-known media exec worked for Seven between 2003 and 2011 before he exited to become CEO of rival Ten Network, which saw Seven launch legal action to slow his start. After eight years and several roles away, he rejoined Seven in 2019 as MD and CEO.
Like most major commercial free-to-air networks around the world, Seven has been hit hard by the TV ad market decline and is...
He had already been planning to exit his Managing Director and CEO role at Seven parent Seven West Media (Swm) in June, but an update to the Australian Stock Exchange revealed finishes today.
Swm Chief Financial Officer Jeff Howard will replace him tomorrow, with Craig Haskins becoming Acting CFO until a replacement is found.
Swm Chairman Kerry Stokes and Howard both thanked Warburton for “his contribution to the business over many years.”
The well-known media exec worked for Seven between 2003 and 2011 before he exited to become CEO of rival Ten Network, which saw Seven launch legal action to slow his start. After eight years and several roles away, he rejoined Seven in 2019 as MD and CEO.
Like most major commercial free-to-air networks around the world, Seven has been hit hard by the TV ad market decline and is...
- 4/18/2024
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
James Warburton, MD and CEO of Seven West Media, one of Australia’s largest media conglomerates, has resigned following a series of scandals. He was scheduled to depart the company in December, but now exits with immediate effect following a board meeting on Thursday.
In a filing to the Australian Stock Exchange, Seven West said that Jeff Howard, currently its chief finance officer, will take over as MD and CEO with effect from Friday. Craig Haskins will act as interim CFO until a successor to Howard is appointed.
Seven West owns the Seven Network and its affiliates, the 7plus: 7News digital platform and newspapers including The West Australian and the Sunday Times. Its proprietor and chairman, Kerry Stokes thanked Warburton for “his contribution over many years.”
Among the scandals, one was recently revealed in a court case that did not directly involve Seven, but instead appeared to reveal much about it.
In a filing to the Australian Stock Exchange, Seven West said that Jeff Howard, currently its chief finance officer, will take over as MD and CEO with effect from Friday. Craig Haskins will act as interim CFO until a successor to Howard is appointed.
Seven West owns the Seven Network and its affiliates, the 7plus: 7News digital platform and newspapers including The West Australian and the Sunday Times. Its proprietor and chairman, Kerry Stokes thanked Warburton for “his contribution over many years.”
Among the scandals, one was recently revealed in a court case that did not directly involve Seven, but instead appeared to reveal much about it.
- 4/18/2024
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Australia’s Seven West Media and its Seven network may risk reputational damage following Federal Court revelations in Sydney on Thursday and Friday.
The defamation case was brought by former Liberal Party political aide Bruce Lehrmann against Network Ten and journalist Lisa Wilkinson. It does not directly involve Seven.
Lehrmann was tried in court in 2022 over the alleged rape of another political aide, Brittany Higgins, in Canberra in 2021. But the case and a retrial were abandoned with no findings against him.
Lehrmann’s defamation case alleges that Network 10 and Wilkinson have made false claims that he raped Higgins.
Network 10 and Higgins have said that they would defend their reporting as “substantially true.”
In late 2022, Seven, Australia’s most-watched TV network, aired an exclusive two-part interview with Lehrmann. But how its “Spotlight” investigative news program obtained that interview is now the subject of intense debate.
In court on Thursday, former...
The defamation case was brought by former Liberal Party political aide Bruce Lehrmann against Network Ten and journalist Lisa Wilkinson. It does not directly involve Seven.
Lehrmann was tried in court in 2022 over the alleged rape of another political aide, Brittany Higgins, in Canberra in 2021. But the case and a retrial were abandoned with no findings against him.
Lehrmann’s defamation case alleges that Network 10 and Wilkinson have made false claims that he raped Higgins.
Network 10 and Higgins have said that they would defend their reporting as “substantially true.”
In late 2022, Seven, Australia’s most-watched TV network, aired an exclusive two-part interview with Lehrmann. But how its “Spotlight” investigative news program obtained that interview is now the subject of intense debate.
In court on Thursday, former...
- 4/5/2024
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
David Leckie, a giant figure of the Australian television industry, has died at the age of 70.
In a statement circulated to Australian media, his family said: “With immense sadness we advise the passing of our adored and much-loved husband and father, David Leckie. David passed away at Mulberry Farm, Robertson after a long illness this morning. He was surrounded by his loving family.”
During a distinguished 40-year executive career, Leckie served as the CEO of Seven West Media, which owns Seven Network, while he was previously the boss of Nine Network for 11 years from 1990.
Seven West Media Chairman, Kerry Stokes, said: “I had a close association and friendship with David for more than 20 years and finally enticed him to Seven in 2003, when he started the difficult process of turning around the network’s fortunes. David achieved the turnaround quickly and effectively, building a winning team, financial and programming model, which...
In a statement circulated to Australian media, his family said: “With immense sadness we advise the passing of our adored and much-loved husband and father, David Leckie. David passed away at Mulberry Farm, Robertson after a long illness this morning. He was surrounded by his loving family.”
During a distinguished 40-year executive career, Leckie served as the CEO of Seven West Media, which owns Seven Network, while he was previously the boss of Nine Network for 11 years from 1990.
Seven West Media Chairman, Kerry Stokes, said: “I had a close association and friendship with David for more than 20 years and finally enticed him to Seven in 2003, when he started the difficult process of turning around the network’s fortunes. David achieved the turnaround quickly and effectively, building a winning team, financial and programming model, which...
- 7/20/2021
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
David Leckie, one of the most senior executives in Australian television, is dead. He died at home at Mulberry Farm on Tuesday after a prolonged illness.
Leckie was CEO of Nine Network from 1990 to 2001. In 2003, he joined Seven Network and led it to ratings success.
Leckie held several senior roles with the Seven group, including CEO of Seven Network, MD and CEO of Seven Media Group and Seven West Media, and was a board director of Seven Network Limited, Seven West Media and Seven Group Holdings.
“Inspiring, engaging, loud, passionate and famously difficult at times, he was an extraordinary sales person and an intuitive TV programmer. Without a doubt he was the best TV executive this country has ever seen and an important influence and mentor for so many people and careers. He was once labelled the last of the rock star CEOs and I’d say that was a pretty good description,...
Leckie was CEO of Nine Network from 1990 to 2001. In 2003, he joined Seven Network and led it to ratings success.
Leckie held several senior roles with the Seven group, including CEO of Seven Network, MD and CEO of Seven Media Group and Seven West Media, and was a board director of Seven Network Limited, Seven West Media and Seven Group Holdings.
“Inspiring, engaging, loud, passionate and famously difficult at times, he was an extraordinary sales person and an intuitive TV programmer. Without a doubt he was the best TV executive this country has ever seen and an important influence and mentor for so many people and careers. He was once labelled the last of the rock star CEOs and I’d say that was a pretty good description,...
- 7/20/2021
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Tributes are flowing for “giant of television” David Leckie, who died today aged 70.
Leckie was chief executive officer of Nine Network from 1990 to 2001, before joining the Seven Network in 2003.
He held several senior roles with the Seven group, including CEO of Seven Network, managing director and CEO of Seven Media Group and Seven West Media, and a director of Seven Network Limited, Seven West Media, and Seven Group Holdings.
According to a statement from wife Skye Leckie, the former television executive passed away at Mulberry Farm, Robertson after a long illness this morning and was surrounded by his loving family.
His loss has been felt across the industry, with Nine CEO Mike Sneesby among those pay tribute.
“David Leckie was a giant of television,” he said.
“He contributed enormously to the success we all shared with him here at Nine, his instincts and leadership heralded the golden era of Australian television.
Leckie was chief executive officer of Nine Network from 1990 to 2001, before joining the Seven Network in 2003.
He held several senior roles with the Seven group, including CEO of Seven Network, managing director and CEO of Seven Media Group and Seven West Media, and a director of Seven Network Limited, Seven West Media, and Seven Group Holdings.
According to a statement from wife Skye Leckie, the former television executive passed away at Mulberry Farm, Robertson after a long illness this morning and was surrounded by his loving family.
His loss has been felt across the industry, with Nine CEO Mike Sneesby among those pay tribute.
“David Leckie was a giant of television,” he said.
“He contributed enormously to the success we all shared with him here at Nine, his instincts and leadership heralded the golden era of Australian television.
- 7/20/2021
- by Sean Slatter
- IF.com.au
Seven West Media CEO James Warburton.
Seven West Media is set to merge with regional television affiliate Prime Media.
If successful, Seven hopes the merger will establish the company as the leading wholly-owned commercial network, with potential to reach over 90 per cent of the population across metro and regional Australia, and the ability to offer a single advertising platform.
The merger is a 100 per cent scrip-based prime scheme of arrangement; that is, where shares are offered in place of cash. It is proposed that Prime shareholders will receive 0.4582 Seven West Media shares for each Prime share that they hold.
Following completion of the transaction, existing Seven West Media shareholders will own 90 per cent of the combined entity, with Prime shareholders holding the remaining 10 per cent.
The move is also designed to help strength Seven’s balance sheet and help lift it out of debt – the network reported a full-year loss of $444.5 million in August.
Seven West Media is set to merge with regional television affiliate Prime Media.
If successful, Seven hopes the merger will establish the company as the leading wholly-owned commercial network, with potential to reach over 90 per cent of the population across metro and regional Australia, and the ability to offer a single advertising platform.
The merger is a 100 per cent scrip-based prime scheme of arrangement; that is, where shares are offered in place of cash. It is proposed that Prime shareholders will receive 0.4582 Seven West Media shares for each Prime share that they hold.
Following completion of the transaction, existing Seven West Media shareholders will own 90 per cent of the combined entity, with Prime shareholders holding the remaining 10 per cent.
The move is also designed to help strength Seven’s balance sheet and help lift it out of debt – the network reported a full-year loss of $444.5 million in August.
- 10/18/2019
- by jkeast
- IF.com.au
Tim Worner.
Seven West Media CEO Tim Worner has resigned after 25 years with the Seven Network, succeeded immediately by James Warburton.
Today’s announcement was not unexpected by some Seven staffers but the instant handover was a surprise.
The Seven Network’s revenues and ratings have declined this year, particularly in the 7.30 pm slot with My Kitchen Rules and House Rules, and Swm’s share price is languishing.
Warburton was chief digital and sales officer of Swm until being poached to run the Ten network in 2011, prompting a legal battle between the two broadcasters over his non-compete period. He was sacked by the Ten board after little more than a year in the role, succeeded by Hamish McLennan.
Last year he was appointed CEO of Apn Outdoor after a four-year stint running V8 Supercars, where he oversaw the broadcast rights deal between Foxtel and Ten. He departed Apn Outdoor after...
Seven West Media CEO Tim Worner has resigned after 25 years with the Seven Network, succeeded immediately by James Warburton.
Today’s announcement was not unexpected by some Seven staffers but the instant handover was a surprise.
The Seven Network’s revenues and ratings have declined this year, particularly in the 7.30 pm slot with My Kitchen Rules and House Rules, and Swm’s share price is languishing.
Warburton was chief digital and sales officer of Swm until being poached to run the Ten network in 2011, prompting a legal battle between the two broadcasters over his non-compete period. He was sacked by the Ten board after little more than a year in the role, succeeded by Hamish McLennan.
Last year he was appointed CEO of Apn Outdoor after a four-year stint running V8 Supercars, where he oversaw the broadcast rights deal between Foxtel and Ten. He departed Apn Outdoor after...
- 8/16/2019
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Seven’s director of news and public affairs Peter Meakin has stepped down after nine years with the company.
The 70 year-old, who will remain in an advisory role at the network, said in a statement: “It’s time to pull the plug on this chapter of my life.”
His role will be divided between Seven Brisbane’s Rob Raschke, who will be director of news, and ex Today Tonight and A Current Affair executive producer Neil Mooney, who takes on the director of public affairs position.
The announcement from Seven:
27 November 2012 — Peter Meakin today announced his decision to step down as Director of News and Public Affairs for the Seven Network. Mr Meakin will continue with Seven in a senior advisory role on the network’s news and public affairs programming.
“It’s time to pull the plug on this chapter of my life,” he said.
“It’s been a...
The 70 year-old, who will remain in an advisory role at the network, said in a statement: “It’s time to pull the plug on this chapter of my life.”
His role will be divided between Seven Brisbane’s Rob Raschke, who will be director of news, and ex Today Tonight and A Current Affair executive producer Neil Mooney, who takes on the director of public affairs position.
The announcement from Seven:
27 November 2012 — Peter Meakin today announced his decision to step down as Director of News and Public Affairs for the Seven Network. Mr Meakin will continue with Seven in a senior advisory role on the network’s news and public affairs programming.
“It’s time to pull the plug on this chapter of my life,” he said.
“It’s been a...
- 11/27/2012
- by Robin Hicks
- Encore Magazine
Sydney - Kerry Stokes' Seven Group Holdings could spoil News Corp.’s ambitions to build its stake in pay TV platform Foxtel to 50 percent. Seven Group, parent company of Seven Network Australia, is also a 24 percent shareholder in James Packer’s Consolidated Media Holdings (Cmh), which wants to sell its stakes in Foxtel and Fox Sports to News Limited, the local arm of News Corp. News has bid Aus$2 billion ($1.94 billion) for Cmh’s 50 percent of Fox Sports and 25 percent of Foxtel, although Seven Group executive director Peter Gammell, Tuesday told shareholders that Cmh had yet to
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- 8/28/2012
- by Pip Bulbeck
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
One of media’s most dramatic months in memory has continued, with Seven West Media announcing a new boss.
David Leckie will step down from the helm of Seven West Media and be replaced by Don Voelte. Seven West Media’s assets include the Seven Network, Pacific Magazines, The West Australian newspaper and the Yahoo!7 joint venture.
Although already a director of Seven West Media, Voelte comes from a non media background. He’s been CEO and MD of Woodside Energy for the last seven years and before that spent four years at Chroma Energy.
Leckie will remain involved in the organisation with a new role owner Kerry Stokes’ Seven Group Holdings which also has stakes in Consolidated Media and Prime Media. News Limited is currently bidding to buy Consolidated, which owns half of Fox Sports and 25% of Foxtel.
Leckie’s departure from Seven’s day to day operation comes as little surprise.
David Leckie will step down from the helm of Seven West Media and be replaced by Don Voelte. Seven West Media’s assets include the Seven Network, Pacific Magazines, The West Australian newspaper and the Yahoo!7 joint venture.
Although already a director of Seven West Media, Voelte comes from a non media background. He’s been CEO and MD of Woodside Energy for the last seven years and before that spent four years at Chroma Energy.
Leckie will remain involved in the organisation with a new role owner Kerry Stokes’ Seven Group Holdings which also has stakes in Consolidated Media and Prime Media. News Limited is currently bidding to buy Consolidated, which owns half of Fox Sports and 25% of Foxtel.
Leckie’s departure from Seven’s day to day operation comes as little surprise.
- 6/26/2012
- by mumbrella
- Encore Magazine
In what has become one of the most tumultuous weeks for Australian media in many years, News Limited has launched a $2bn bid to buy Consolidated Media in a deal that would up the company’s ownership of Foxtel to 50%.
An update to the Asx suggest that Consolidated Media’s largest shareholder James Packer supports the bid.
Foxtel is owned 50% by Telstra, 25% by News Limited and 25% by Consolidated Media. Other shareholders in Consolidated Media include Seven owner Kerry Stokes.
The move would also give News Limited full ownership of Fox Sports which it currently co-owns with Consolidated.
According to the Asx update, the move would be unlikely to take place until the final three months of 2012.
The move comes at a time where packer is believed to be keen to raise funds to focus on boosting his casino interests.
Packer said in a statement: “Cph welcomes News’ proposal and looks...
An update to the Asx suggest that Consolidated Media’s largest shareholder James Packer supports the bid.
Foxtel is owned 50% by Telstra, 25% by News Limited and 25% by Consolidated Media. Other shareholders in Consolidated Media include Seven owner Kerry Stokes.
The move would also give News Limited full ownership of Fox Sports which it currently co-owns with Consolidated.
According to the Asx update, the move would be unlikely to take place until the final three months of 2012.
The move comes at a time where packer is believed to be keen to raise funds to focus on boosting his casino interests.
Packer said in a statement: “Cph welcomes News’ proposal and looks...
- 6/20/2012
- by mumbrella
- Encore Magazine
Former News Limited boss John Hartigan has been linked to the top job at Seven West Media in speculation published in The Australian today.
The newspaper reports on the continuing absence of David Leckie from the helm of Seven West, whose assets include the Seven Network, Pacific Magazines, The West Australian and Yahoo!7.
Seven West Media’s major shareholder is Kerry Stokes. According to The Australian:
“Stokes is known to have reached out to former News Limited boss John Hartigan when Hartigan left News in November last year.
“Hartigan could not be reached for comment yesterday, but has told friends he would not seek a job until after he returned from the London Olympics.”
Journalists often use the phrase “told friends” as a means of sharing not-for-attribution guidance from a source.
Seven told Mumbrella that it did not comment on speculation, but that the speculation was incorrect.
The newspaper reports on the continuing absence of David Leckie from the helm of Seven West, whose assets include the Seven Network, Pacific Magazines, The West Australian and Yahoo!7.
Seven West Media’s major shareholder is Kerry Stokes. According to The Australian:
“Stokes is known to have reached out to former News Limited boss John Hartigan when Hartigan left News in November last year.
“Hartigan could not be reached for comment yesterday, but has told friends he would not seek a job until after he returned from the London Olympics.”
Journalists often use the phrase “told friends” as a means of sharing not-for-attribution guidance from a source.
Seven told Mumbrella that it did not comment on speculation, but that the speculation was incorrect.
- 6/13/2012
- by mumbrella
- Encore Magazine
Sydney -- James Packer has resigned suddenly from the board of directors of Ten Network Holdings, which appointed rival Seven Network's chief digital and sales officer James Warburton as their new CEO. Packer’s departure from the board comes just four months after he became a shareholder and director. Packer retains a 9% stake in Ten alongside interim CEO Lachlan Murdoch –- combined they have 17.8% of the company. Separately, Packer holds 45% of Consolidated Media Holdings, which owns 25% of Foxtel and 50% of Fox Sports parent Premier Media Group. Seven Media’s executive chairman and major shareholder, nm3004547 autoKerry Stokes[/link], also has a 22% stake in Cons Media. At the same time, regional pay-tv player Austar said it is the target of a possible buyout by rival Foxtel. It gets better -- all these events may be connected. Ten Network Holdings’ statement simply “announced the resignation of James Packer as a director of the company,...
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