Nine News Adelaide journalist Ben Avery has quit the network and taken on a role within the Liberal Party.
The South Australian journalist and Nine News Adelaide deputy news director will now serve as the new South Australian Liberal Party leader Ashton Hurn’s spin doctor.
The journalist worked in Nine’s Adelaide offices since 2010 and has enjoyed stints as a senior reporter and deputy news director.
His time with the network also included a stint as the Nine’s Europe correspondent from 2020 to 2021.
Mr Avery announced his plan to leave Nine last week, it is understood, while his colleagues were said to be shocked by his departure.
Nine News Adelaide news director Jeremy Pudney said Mr Avery had been an “outstanding member” of the team and would be missed.
“While we’re sad to see him go, he leaves with Nine’s best wishes,” he told The Advertiser.
A Liberal spokesman confirmed that the veteran South Australian journalist had accepted an offer to work in Ms Hurn’s office.
It is believed his role is to be the Opposition Leader’s chief media advisor ahead of the state election in March.
The South Australian journalist is expected to bring “breadth and depth of experience” to Ms Hurn’s team.Â
A senior Liberal branded Mr Avery’s appointment “exciting”.
“There is some genuine excitement and energy around Ashton as the new leader and Ben has an incredibly opportunity to capitalise on that for the broader Liberal team,” they said.
Meanwhile, Channel Seven broadcaster Christie Cooper has also left her post, with the reporter announcing her departure from the network after 13 years.
The Melbourne-based journalist revealed she has stepped down from the channel on her LinkedIn page and confirmed she was already working on a new project.
“After 13 years at the Seven Network (with a break in between), I’ve officially handed in my resignation,” Cooper began.
“I’m excited for what’s to come in 2026. I’ll be working on getting my new business, Growing Healthier Futures, off the ground, while continuing to freelance as a journalist, presenter, producer and chief of staff.”
Cooper revealed she will be back on TV screens in the coming weeks as part of the presenting team for the Australian Open in Melbourne.Â
“To everyone I’ve worked with over the years at Seven, thank you for trusting me with your stories. Bring on 2026,” she added.
Cooper began her career with Seven as a local Melbourne reporter back in January 2021 and quickly became known for her upbeat nature when delivering different news reports.Â
As well as reporting on local crime and human interest stories, Cooper also delivered “green thumb” reports based on her own interest in the field.