Musical chairs at Seven’s Sydney headquarters following controversial news departures

Staff at Seven’s Sydney headquarters have been notified of several major executive changes following a series of controversial departures from the broadcaster.

New Seven news executive appointments Sean Power, left, Holly Fallon, centre and Jake Lyle, bottom right. Pictures: Supplied

There has been further major changes behind the scenes at Channel 7s Sydney headquarters.

Confidential can reveal Sunrise executive producer Sean Power will replace Neil Warren as Director of News for Seven Sydney.

Power is to be succeeded by young gun Jake Lyle in the EP role at Sunrise. Lyle has been at Seven for six months, joining the team after working at rival Today show and before that under Ben Fordham at 2GB.

It is the latest bout of changes from new Director of News and Current Affairs and Editor-in-Chief, Seven West Media, Anthony De Ceglie, who took over from Craig Macpherson at the network earlier this year.

Holly Fallon takes on the role of executive producer, Weekend Sunrise. Chloe Flynn remains EP of The Morning Show.

Fallon, Lyle and Flynn report to Seven’s Director of Morning Television, Sarah Stinson.

“Sean’s time at Sunrise has been marked by incredible success and creativity. I can’t wait to see what he will bring to the all-important 6pm news bulletin,” De Ceglie said in a statement after sharing the news with staff today.

Channel 7 executive Sean Power.

Anthony De Ceglie.

“His appointment is part of ensuring that Seven has next-generational leaders in place ready for the future. The appointments of Jake and Holly likewise are further testament to this.”

Power too previously worked under Fordham at 2GB and did a stint at 60 Minutes.

Warren will remain with Seven “for some time” to work with the Sydney news team through the transition period, as well as helping steer its Olympic coverage.

“Neil is extremely well-regarded by all his peers at Seven and across the industry,” Mr De Ceglie said.

“We’re sad to see him go but wish him all the best, and we’re grateful he will be sticking around for some time yet to ensure a smooth transition.”

In May, it was announced De Ceglie had poached rising star Gemma Williams from Nine to take the helm at the beleaguered Spotlight current affairs program that goes head-to-head with 60 Minutes.

Channel 7 executive Sarah Stinson.

The changes across the board signal a major cultural and generational shift after recent events, including Mark Llewellyn’s departure from Spotlight following months of damaging claims arising from its Bruce Lehrmann interview.

In other news, the TV news producer who helped David Koch become comfortable in front of the camera when he moved across from radio has announced that he’ll exit Seven after 36 years.

Richard Cunningham joined Channel 7 after working in the newspaper industry for 20 years, including lengthy stints as a correspondent in New York and London.

His departure comes as Seven’s new boss Anthony De Ceglie oversees a cost restructure of the news division.

Seven executive Jake Lyle.

TV executive Gemma Williams.

In the early days, Cunningham produced finance news segments for David Koch, who later found fame on Sunrise. He was also one of the producers who kept Channel 7 on air during the Lindt Cafe siege despite most staff being told to evacuate the Martin Place newsroom.

In recent years, Cunningham has been the steady hand who worked to produce journalist Chris Reason’s stories. He’ll finish up at Seven’s Eveleigh studios after the 6pm news on Friday 28th June, then enjoy several months of long service leave.

Richard Cunningham (right), the TV news producer who helped David Koch (left) become comfortable in front of the TV cameras when he moved across from radio has announced that he'll exit the Seven Network after 36 years.