Seven has this morning confirmed Alex Cullen’s return to the network, amid strong speculation he’ll join their upcoming Melbourne-based afternoon news project.
The new program was largely confirmed back in May, when Seven announced former Sunrise Executive Producer — and most recently Sydney News Director — Sean Power would be taking up a new role in Melbourne to lead a national news offering, which Cullen is understood to be joining.
Cullen’s comeback follows his high-profile exit from Nine earlier this year, after accepting a $50,000 payment from billionaire Adrian Portelli for referring to him as “McLaren Guy” on air — an incident that sparked an internal review and ultimately led to his departure from the Today show.
Confirmation of his signing with Seven comes just a month after it was revealed he’ll join The Christian O’Connell Show on GOLD 104.3 in Melbourne as the resident sports guru, marking his return to radio — a convenient fit as he settles into the city ahead of his new roles.
From Seven:
Alex Cullen returns to Seven – Seasoned journalist joins 7NEWS team
The Seven Network today announced Alex Cullen will return to the Seven Network, taking on a role across 7NEWS, Australia’s #1 news service.
Cullen’s new role will cover a mix of presenting and reporting duties across several special projects.
From his rise through 7NEWS Perth as a younger reporter, then onto Seven’s Sydney newsroom, Sunrise and Sunday Night, Cullen rejoins the network after 13 formative years with the team – a familiar face returning to where it all began.
Speaking of his return, Alex Cullen said:
“It’s incredibly exciting to be coming back to Seven. In many ways, it feels like coming home.”
“There are familiar faces here I’ve known and worked with for more than 20 years, and that kind of support from people who really know you means everything.”
“I’m looking forward to reconnecting with audiences and getting back to what I love: telling real stories that matter.”
he said.
Seven’s Director of News and Current Affairs, Ray Kuka, said:
“We’re excited to welcome Alex back into the fold. He’s one of the nicest guys in television – a country boy who grew up with a strong work ethic and still knows a hard day’s work. He cares about the viewers, his colleagues and his family.”
“We love that he’s taking his family to Melbourne for new opportunities and as Seven’s ratings soar in Victoria, he will be another critical link in the chain of successful programming coming out of our new home in Melbourne city, already delivering first class content from our news and sport teams.”
“He’s joining us for a number of projects, but we also know his versatility is one of his greatest strengths. Alex isn’t just a sports presenter; he’s a sharp journalist and a compelling host.”
he said.
“We look forward to sharing more details about his new role as we finalise content. This is about getting it right for the network and for Alex’s bright future with Seven.”
Fantastic News
Stick that up your jumper channel 9 small minded blind executive’s.
Congratulations Alex.👏
Congratulations 🎊. Must have been a turbulent time for you and your young family. Welcome HOME.
Yeh, all while KS still sits there, sitting pretty! Ffs how does that happen???
Nine made a big mistake there!!!!!
A big loss for Ch9
A Giant leap for 7
Alex is one of the nicest guys on tv and didn’t deserve the treatment he received on nine. Only a positive to have him on seven. Good luck for the future.
A big asset for channel 7 and major loss for 9. I will follow him. Co grate Alex and enjoy your new family.
Get him to do sport at 6pm. Get rid of Bec.
Great news
They sacked him & he went to 9 ,, now his on 7 again ,,
7 didn’t sack him! He was offered the gig at 9 and took it
The best news ever.
Good decision by NINE 👍
Alex is handsome and
an excellent news reader 💙
A delight to see on the screen 📺