Category: Staff appointments

Australia’s home of independent news, 7am, welcomes foreign correspondent Nicole Johnston as host and executive producer, with Ruby Jones on secondment at the ABC’s premier investigative news programme, Four Corners.

Johnston joins 7am after almost two decades as a foreign correspondent, working across the Middle East, Asia, Europe, Africa and the US. She spent a decade with Al Jazeera, covering two Gaza wars and Egypt’s military coup. She holds a masters degree in Middle East Studies from the University of London, SOAS. Last year, she returned to Australia after spending a year in Beijing as China correspondent for Sky News UK.

Last week, Johnston kicked off her hosting duties with a special series of episodes about American intervention in Venezuela, Iran and Greenland. She’s also looking forward to working on domestic stories of national significance, like her coverage last week of the implosion and cancellation at Adelaide Writers’ Week. Listeners can learn more about Nicole in this special episode of 7am.

Nicole Johnston will share hosting duties with Yorta Yorta man and award-winning writer and broadcaster Daniel James. Since July 2024, James has served as co-host and executive producer of 7am. In that time, he has led our coverage of federal politics and Indigenous affairs and reported the award-winning series This Is Alice Springs.

For more than five years, Ruby Jones has been the host and executive producer of 7am, helping to embed the podcast in the daily news cycle and take it to number one in the news podcast charts. She will return to the show at the end of March. 

Krystal Keller joins as commissioning editor and executive producer

The team also welcomes Krystal Keller as commissioning editor and executive producer, filling  a maternity-leave backfill role.

Keller is a highly accomplished producer with more than 15 years’ experience across TV and radio. Most recently, she served as Senior Supervising Producer and Acting Executive Producer  at The Project. She brings extensive experience producing narrative news, managing a team of around a dozen journalists and leading teams of up to 100 staff. 

“We are delighted that a person of Krystal Keller’s experience and skill will lead 7am,” Solstice Media’s head of audio Sarah McVeigh says. “Krystal will work with the 7am team to further embed its position as Australia’s home of independent news, especially as we expand our reach on social media and video”. 

“7am is such a powerhouse of daily news podcasting in Australia, and I’m so excited to be joining the team,” says Keller.

“To be able to unpack stories that matter, at a time when it’s so important to dig beyond the headlines, is a thrill and a privilege.”

Krystal Keller will be with 7am, until at least September, when Sarah McVeigh plans to return from maternity leave.

7am has been a part of Solstice Media since July 2025. Founder and managing director of Solstice Media Paul Hamra says, “7am has added to Solstice Media’s journalism gravitas. These experienced appointments are reflective of 7am’s quality, and I’m excited to see the work they deliver”.

Solstice Media has announced the appointment of Heath Richards as Chief Financial and Commercial Officer, strengthening the company’s executive leadership team as it continues to expand its natitional and state-based publishing and audience businesses.

Heath Richards. Photo: Ben Kelly, Solstice Media

Mr Richards joins Solstice Media following an extensive career in senior national finance and commercial roles across the media – most recently with a global advertising agency holding company, plus retail, sport, and professional services sectors.

His expertise in financial strategy, opera%onal leadership, and business transformation will support Solstice’s next phase of growth across its portfolio, which includes The New Daily, InDaily, Australian Traveller, SALIFE, CityMag, 7am, and InReview.

Solstice Media Managing Director Paul Hamra said Mr Richards’ appointment marks an important step in building a unified national business model.

“Heath brings deep commercial and financial experience, along with a sharp understanding of how to drive sustainable growth in modern media businesses,” Mr Hamra said.

“As Solstice continues to expand its na%onal reach while investing in local journalism and audiences, Heath’s leadership will be invaluable in shaping a strong, agile organisation.”

Mr Richards said he was excited to join Sols%ce Media at a pivotal moment for independent Australian media.

“Solstice has built a remarkable collection of trusted brands with strong, engaged audiences,” Mr Richards said.
“I’m looking forward to helping drive its strategic and commercial ambitions as the business continues to evolve nationally.”

Mr Richards commenced with Solstice Media in November 2025 and will be based at the company’s Adelaide headquarters.

Solstice Media has appointed Brooke Seward publisher of its magazine title, SALIFE.

Photo: Brooke Seward: Ben Kelly, Solstice Media

SALIFE is South Australia’s highest selling magazine and has been operating in the state for 22 years, showcasing the best of South Australia.

Brooke has been with the magazine since it was launched in November 2003, most recently as director of sales.

Since its launch, the magazine title has branched out with specialty publications such as SALIFE Gardens and Outdoor Living, SALIFE Food + Wine + Travel and SALIFE Premium Property. The brand also has its own website, premium property real estate, social media channels and digital subscription service.

Solstice Media managing director, Paul Hamra paid tribute to Brooke, “who has devoted a career of passion to build the title, it is only fitting for her to become the magazine publisher. A very deserving appointment” he said.

“Brooke understands the magazine, the brand, the market and what is possible, better than anyone. She will be amazing in this leadership role and has some really exciting ideas for growth,” he said.

“It’s such a privilege to step into the role of publisher at SALIFE. Over the years we have built a brand that truly celebrates the people, places, and lifestyle in South Australia. I’m excited to continue that journey with our talented team and to explore new ways to connect with our readers and showcase the very best of our state,” Brooke said.

SALIFE is sold through retail, Coles, Woolworths, and independent supermarkets and through print and digital subscriptions.

InDaily, South Australia’s independent digital news outlet, has appointed award-winning journalist Belinda Willis as its new editor and with respected business reporter, David Simmons to the role of deputy editor.

InDaily is a digital news publication distributed by email to over 60,000 subscribers daily. It has been publishing for almost 20 years and has won numerous journalism awards for its coverage of South Australia.

Photo: Belinda Willis: Ben Kelly, Solstice Media

Belinda brings an impressive career span across domestic and international media. Formerly state political editor at The Advertiser, she has also contributed to the BBC, the Guardian group in London, and various newspapers in Melbourne and California.

On her appointment, Belinda commented, “I am delighted to be taking on the role of editor at InDaily. Our independent newsroom has ambitious plans to grow, and our team is passionate about uncovering stories that celebrate South Australia and hold our leaders to account.”

Photo: David Simmons: Morgan Sette

David, previously senior journalist and business editor at InDaily, will become deputy editor in the new line-up, partnering with Willis to steer the editorial team.

Managing Director of InDaily’s publisher Solstice Media, Paul Hamra, said the appointments represent an important moment in InDaily’s evolution.

“Belinda and David are both outstanding journalists with a deep commitment to South Australian stories and the values of independent media. Belinda’s experience and editorial vision, together with David’s energy and insight, provide InDaily with an editorial leadership team that will take our journalism to the next level.” he said.

Zoe Rice will become the new editor of SALIFE from August, having worked on the magazine for more than a decade.

Zoe, who has been deputy editor of SALIFE since 2022, takes on the premier South Australian publishing role from Liz Walsh, who has been editor for the past three years.

“I’ve been passionate about this magazine for so long and am looking forward to continuing its vision, which has always been to tell the stories of this state and its wonderful people,” Zoe, who started with the magazine in 2013, says.

“I’m excited to be in the editor’s chair for the next iteration of SALIFE.”

SALIFE, which is published by Solstice Media, began in South Australia 2003 initially as magazine but has grown onto digital and social platforms. 

The title is the highest selling locally produced lifestyle magazine – sold at retail and through subscriptions.

Solstice Media which also publishes InDailySA and in Queensland, CityMag and The Weekend Edition, and national brands, The New Daily and 7am.

Solstice Media managing director, Paul Hamra said SALIFE is a South Australian institution and the role of editor is an important curator – uncovering stories, setting standards and showcasing the best of the state.

“The SALIFE editorial team is the best and it’s encouraging, no inspiring, that the next generation editor has worked in this team and risen to this position.

Zoe starts in the role on Monday, August 4.

Solstice Media, a unique South Australian-based national publishing company, has appointed its first Chief Financial Officer Kathryn Shaw, as well as a new board member, Amanda McIlroy.

Kathryn joins the team with almost 20 years of experience in the finance industry, most recently working as Penley Estate’s Financial Controller and Regional Sales Manager. Prior to that, she worked in various financial roles across different industries in Sydney and the UK and recently completed her MBA and is a certified Chartered Accountant.

Amanda Mcllroy has also recently been appointed to the Solstice Media Board to sit alongside current board members, Chair Alan Young AM, Tracey Whiting AM, and Managing Director Paul Hamra.

Amanda’s most recent role was as Chief Operating Officer at the City of Adelaide, and prior to that she oversaw the establishment of the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI).  She is an experienced board director and currently serves as a Member of SA Ambulance’s Assurance and Risk Committee and its Finance Committee. Amanda brings an impressive background in executive leadership, strategy, governance, risk management and finance to the Solstice Media team.

Respected Adelaide journalist Liz Walsh has been appointed editor of leading South Australian magazine SALIFE.

Walsh has been a journalist for more than two decades, most recently as a sports reporter for News Corp, covering Australian Rules and cricket. She reports from the sidelines for the ABC during the AFL and AFLW seasons and is co-host of the national broadcaster’s Summer Grandstand program in Adelaide.

Walsh’s editorial leadership roles includes a stint as the Sunday Mail’s features editor. She also has history with SALIFE, previously serving as the title’s deputy editor.

SALIFE, published by Solstice Media which also publishes InDaily and CityMag, will celebrate its 20th year of publication in 2023.

The monthly glossy magazine covers South Australian people, homes, food and wine, fashion and more. SALIFE’s suite of titles also includes the quarterly Gardens & Outdoor Living magazine, and annuals Food+Wine+Travel and Premium Property.

“I’m so excited to return to the magazine, particularly as we celebrate our 20th year in 2023,” Walsh said. “I’m looking forward to continuing to inspire and entertain our readers with great local content about the best of South Australia.”

Solstice Media managing director Paul Hamra said Walsh would take over SALIFE’s editorial leadership at a time when the title is growing in readership, distribution and influence in South Australia.

“Liz Walsh is a perfect fit for SALIFE – a great South Australian journalist with a deep understanding of the state and what it has to offer, so expect to see some amazing local stories, ideas and profiles in future editions,” he said.

“Liz takes the reins with SALIFE is in great shape. Our experience over recent years shows there’s a strong market for quality lifestyle magazines with a local focus.

“We’re looking forward to continuing this growth of the SALIFE brand under her leadership.”

Walsh begins at SALIFE this week, replacing long-time outgoing editor Penny Yap.

Our most read article covered the Illuminate Adelaide program launch but the story that generated the biggest reader response was ‘Adelaide needs fearless critics’ which was written by respected arts executive Rainer Jozeps.

InReview has been warmly welcomed to the arts ecosystem by our arts colleagues, arts practitioners, audiences and readers and we look forward to seeing our coverage evolve over the next 12 months.