‘I have decided to call an end’: 7News director Shaun Menegola announces shock resignation

A 7News director has become the latest in a flurry of departures from the trouble-plagued network, saying his decision to leave is “entirely” his own.

Another top Channel 7 executive is flying the coop from the trouble-plagued network, with Melbourne 7News director Shaun Menegola announcing he is exiting.

In a letter sent to staff on Friday and seen by Page 13, Menegola said the decision was all his.

“The quickest of notes to let you know I have decided to call an end to my time here at news in Melbourne,” he wrote.

“It’s entirely my decision and one I’ve been thinking about for a long time,” he said echoing a similar letter written just this week by Seven’s head of news Craig McPherson who also announced he was leaving the network.

The news comes amid a flurry of exits from the embattled station. Picture: Nicki Connolly

“It’s not one driven by anything else other than the fact that I’m looking to take a break to recharge and reboot — and to spend time in my home state of WA with family.”

Menegola joined the 7News team in 2018 when he was headhunted from Nine. He replaced former Herald Sun editor Simon Pristel.

“I couldn’t be prouder of what this team has achieved over the last five or so years and of the bulletins we turn out every night.

“It’s been a highlight of almost three decades running news bulletins and newsrooms.

“You’re not clear of me yet,” Menegola added. “I’ll remain on deck for some weeks or months.

“I’ll be throwing everything at it and making the most of my remaining time working with you all.”

Shaun Menegola has quit as Melbourne 7News director.

Shaun Menegola calls it quits as 7News - Director of news

The news comes amid a flurry of exits from the embattled station.

At the time of Menegola’s appointment, now former network director of news and public affairs McPherson said he had one of the “sharpest minds in the news business.”

Now both are on the way out.

Kerry Stokes’ Seven West Media has been entangled in several controversies, including allegations made during a defamation trial that the network reimbursed Bruce Lehrmann for money spent on cocaine and sex workers. Seven has denied the claims.

Seven’s head of news Craig McPherson who also announced he was leaving the network. Picture: Britta Campion

McPherson, who is the partner of the network’s star Sonia Kruger, joined Seven in 2015, and said it was a decision he had been considering for a while and that “now is a good time for all to have a fresh start”.

He quit after weeks of turmoil at the network including the naming of the wrong man as the Bondi Junction killer and scandal surrounding the Spotlight program.

Menegola and McPherson’s exit comes amid a complete overhaul of Seven’s management team including the departures of chief executive officer and managing director James Warburton who left last month.