Twenty vintage televisions with chroma key green screen for designer. Pattern wall of pile old retro TVs. Rick Ardon and Susannah Carr in front of old images of themselves at the newsdesk.
7News Perth is embarking on a transformative journey as renowned presenters Susannah Carr and Rick Ardon transition to a reduced schedule, paving the way for Tim McMillan and Angela Tsun to expand their roles. This evolution marks a significant shift in the station’s lineup, with Carr and Ardon anchoring the flagship 6pm bulletins on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays after an impressive 40-year tenure.
From Sunday to Wednesday, McMillan and Tsun will take the helm, leveraging the strong rapport they have cultivated with Western Australian audiences through years of presenting weekend bulletins. The announcement comes as Carr expressed her mixed emotions about the transition, acknowledging the difficulty of stepping back after four decades in the spotlight.
“It’s a sad and happy occasion in many ways because I’m sad that I’m scaling down, but I realized that it’s time to do it,” Carr said. “I know I’m speaking for Rick as well when I say we both love our jobs and I’m an absolute news junkie, so even when I eventually leave completely, I’ll never leave the world of news because I just love to know what’s going on.”
Legacy and New Beginnings
Rick Ardon, who remains enthusiastic about his role, stated, “Viewers should know I’m still as hungry as ever as a presenter and also a journalist, always on the lookout for breaking news.” Meanwhile, Seven’s director of news and current affairs, Ray Kuka, emphasized the continuity and strength of the team despite the changes.
“Sue and Rick thankfully remain a central part of our on-air identity, and this adjusted schedule gives them more flexibility after 40 years while still keeping their experience and trust available to viewers,” Kuka noted. “It speaks to the depth of skill and versatility within the 7News team that we have two newsreaders of Tim and Angela’s calibre to step up so seamlessly.”
Strengthening the Team
Tim McMillan brings over two decades of experience in reporting and presenting across Australia, including significant national coverage and award-winning hosting of Flashpoint. His work has been influential, notably contributing to the creation of ‘Pep’s Law,’ which empowers WA police to ban violent or threatening individuals from entertainment precincts.
Angela Tsun, with more than a decade at Seven, has evolved from a beloved weather presenter to a respected anchor, known for her warmth, clarity, and strong newsroom instincts. Reflecting on the transition, McMillan expressed his admiration for Carr and Ardon.
“My early memories of watching news on the TV was watching Rick and Sue front the news, and I remember watching Susannah Carr’s World About Us on a Saturday evening back as a youngster,” he said. “All these years later, to be taking over from them is an incredible honour. They are very big shoes for us to fill, but I feel like we’re ready for it.”
Looking Ahead
Tsun echoed these sentiments, stating, “I’ve watched and respected the tenacity and inquisitive minds of Sue and Rick for so long. Watching them has helped me develop to a point where we’re ready for the future, a future we will approach together, and I cannot wait for 2026.”
McMillan and Tsun will continue to contribute stories to 7NEWS, with McMillan also maintaining his involvement in Money Talks. They will be supported by Ryan Daniels on sport and Samantha Jolly on weather, alongside Adrian Barich and Charlotte Goodlet as part of the weekend team.
Maryna Fewster, Seven West Media WA chief executive, expressed confidence in the new arrangement, stating, “These small but exciting changes will ensure this team of talented professionals can continue our proud history of delivering WA’s best news bulletin.”
7News Perth news director Christien de Garis assured viewers that the quality of journalism would remain steadfast, saying, “While the faces on particular nights might be changing, the journalism will remain as strong as ever — our promise to WA is to deliver more of the stories that matter to you.”
The new schedule is set to begin on air on Sunday, January 18, marking the start of an exciting new chapter for 7News Perth.
