They may not be household names through much of Australia, but Rick Ardon and Susannah Carr are firm favourites with viewers in Perth and are celebrating 40 years of reading Seven News.
They read their first bulletin together for what was then Seven National News in 1985.
In 2022, the Guinness Book of World Records confirmed the pair as the world’s longest-serving TV news anchor duo. Their record surpasses the 32-year run of American NBC anchors Chuck Scarborough and Sue Simmons that ended in 2012.
Ardon, formerly a print media reporter, had been a reporter and news presenter at Seven since 1978. Carr was at ABC and was ABC News‘ first female television newsreader in WA before joining Seven.
Both have won Logies for their popularity with Western Australian viewers, and both have been involved in news coverage for the wider Seven Network.
To pay tribute to their record-breaking anniversary, Chairman of Seven West Media, Kerry Stokes AC, said: “Since their first bulletin together in 1985, Rick and Susannah have become household names, proving themselves as the trusted source of news for generations of Western Australians. Over the decades their incredible partnership has earnt the trust and loyalty of their viewers, ensuring Seven News has remained Perth’s number one nightly bulletin.”
Carr said: “It’s such an honour to have been part of people’s lives for four decades, and I’m reminded everyday by people I meet in the community. From celebrating major milestones to delivering heartbreaking news, I’ve had the privilege of sharing these moments with our viewers. I’m excited to continue bringing the stories that matter to WA.”
Ardon said: “I’m so very proud of the work Susannah and I have done over the years to bring trusted and accurate news to the people of Western Australia. Accuracy is tantamount to credibility. We’ve witnessed so many significant moments in history together and there’s plenty more to come.”
Seven West Media WA Chief Executive Officer Maryna Fewster thanked the pair for their dedication, professionalism and passion for bringing the nightly news to West Australians for 40 years: “Rick and Susannah have been a constant source of trust and reliability in the Seven newsroom and in the homes of people across this State. This is an incredible milestone and through decades of so much change, they have remained the familiar faces and voices that our viewers have relied on every night.
“Thank you for your exceptional commitment, and for making history with us for 40 incredible years.”
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Director of Seven News, Perth, Ray Kuka, expressed his gratitude to the Western Australian community: “When big stories break, WA turns to Rick and Sue to tell the story. We’ve seen it during every major news event over four decades now. They have made history while telling the stories creating history. Their influence extends beyond the screen as Rick and Sue provide incredible leadership and mentorship to the wider Seven News team.”
To celebrate the 40th anniversary, Seven Perth will present a half-hour special on 26 February at 7.00pm. Viewers will also be invited to share their memories via 7news.com.au and at a series of local appearances.
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Source: Seven West Media
