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
With a history of turning around struggling companies and a reputation for ambition. Ten CEO James Warburton is not afraid of a challenge. Brooke Hemphill asks if he’s the man to revive the struggling network.
“I’ve always wanted to be a CEO by the time I’m 40,” a young James Warburton told Allan Medforth, his onetime boss who he worked closely with at Universal McCann in the early 2000s. Warburton was at Channel Seven when he made the statement, in the role of chief sales officer, but it was not the first time he had spoken to Medforth about his career plans.
The comment couldn’t be far from his mind now that he sits in the big chair at Ten, two years after his 40th birthday. Nine months into the role, he might be wondering if he’s bitten off more than he can chew.
After cutting...
“I’ve always wanted to be a CEO by the time I’m 40,” a young James Warburton told Allan Medforth, his onetime boss who he worked closely with at Universal McCann in the early 2000s. Warburton was at Channel Seven when he made the statement, in the role of chief sales officer, but it was not the first time he had spoken to Medforth about his career plans.
The comment couldn’t be far from his mind now that he sits in the big chair at Ten, two years after his 40th birthday. Nine months into the role, he might be wondering if he’s bitten off more than he can chew.
After cutting...
- 12/10/2012
- by Luke
- Encore Magazine
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
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
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
Seven Network bosses have revealed which television programmes will be making a return next year. The Australian TV network, which is home to shows like My Kitchen Rules, Home and Away and the award-winning Packed to the Rafters, threw a celebrity-studded party earlier this week to celebrate the announcement of their 2012 programming schedule. Chief executive David Leckie told The Daily Telegraph: "[It's a] number one network. I know I crap on about it, but how can Ten or Nine come close to that... I love it and I don't care what anyone else thinks." Seven has given the go-ahead to second seasons of dramas Winners and Losers and Wild Boys. It is also introducing a new show called A Place to Call Home, created by the team behind Packed to the Rafters. > 'Wild Boys' beats 'Underbelly: Razor' (more)...
- 9/23/2011
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
For the second consecutive year, Encore has chosen a select group of screen professionals who have achieved new heights in 2010/2011, whose decisions influence and shape Australia’s audiovisual industry, and whose work has stood out from the crowd. These are our Power 50.
1. Emile Sherman – Producer
Last February, Sherman became the first Australian producer to receive an Academy Award for Best Picture, alongside his See-Saw Films partner Iain Canning, and Bedlam Productions’ Gareth Unwin. It also won at the BAFTAs and the Producers Guild of America, in addition to the many other honours for its cast and crew.
While technically a UK production, the Australianness of the film is undeniable – and so is its success; with a modest U$15m budget, The King’s Speech has grossed more than $405m worldwide – one of the most successful independent films of all time. Read Emile Sherman interview
2. Baz Luhrmann – Director, writer, producer
There...
1. Emile Sherman – Producer
Last February, Sherman became the first Australian producer to receive an Academy Award for Best Picture, alongside his See-Saw Films partner Iain Canning, and Bedlam Productions’ Gareth Unwin. It also won at the BAFTAs and the Producers Guild of America, in addition to the many other honours for its cast and crew.
While technically a UK production, the Australianness of the film is undeniable – and so is its success; with a modest U$15m budget, The King’s Speech has grossed more than $405m worldwide – one of the most successful independent films of all time. Read Emile Sherman interview
2. Baz Luhrmann – Director, writer, producer
There...
- 6/9/2011
- by Colin Delaney
- 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,...
Seven Network bosses have been accused of trying to poach stars from Channel Ten's MasterChef Australia. It has been reported that Seven boss David Leckie has planned to lure judges Matt Preston, George Calombaris or Gary Mehigan from the show in a bid to destroy their high ratings. Leckie has denied the claims, telling The Daily Telegraph: "I have never met this mob. They're too cool for school and it'll be interesting to see what (more)...
- 7/1/2010
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
It’s been four years since Encore published its Top 20 Directors and Producers list, and we felt it was time to compile a new, more comprehensive list that included professionals working across all areas – film, television and Tvc production – as well as the leaders and decision-makers that determine the direction of the industry.
Instead of having a limited list of panellists, we consulted with the main agencies and organisations, and also asked our readers to nominate their candidates. We ended up with a list of more than 200 screen industry professionals, and deciding the final 50 was indeed a difficult task. Of course, some other very influential and successful people didn’t make the final cut, but there were only 50 spots and too many talented men and women!
We hope you’ll enjoy – or not, and if so, debate it passionately – the selection of what will become our annual Power 50 list.
1. Christopher Mapp...
Instead of having a limited list of panellists, we consulted with the main agencies and organisations, and also asked our readers to nominate their candidates. We ended up with a list of more than 200 screen industry professionals, and deciding the final 50 was indeed a difficult task. Of course, some other very influential and successful people didn’t make the final cut, but there were only 50 spots and too many talented men and women!
We hope you’ll enjoy – or not, and if so, debate it passionately – the selection of what will become our annual Power 50 list.
1. Christopher Mapp...
- 6/22/2010
- by Miguel Gonzalez
- Encore Magazine
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