Nine News Perth recruits Shaun Menegola as presenter Michael Thomson returns to the sportsdesk Former Seven News Director Shaun Menegola is taking over at Nine News. THE 6PM news battle is about to get very interesting. Channel Nine Perth has recruited Seven News' former ratings guru to head their newsroom. The announcement that Shaun Menegola will take over as News Director at Nine, comes one day after it was revealed that veteran Nine News sports presenter Michael Thomson is also returning to the fold. Menegola was sacked by Seven in 2011 after clashing with Seven West Media managing director Mario D'Orazio, despite leading the 6pm bulletin to spectacular ratings figures during his 11 years as News Director. He most recently worked with former Nine presenter Dixie Marshall as a senior media adviser in the Office of the Premier. We are excited that Shaun Menegola is joining Channel Nine Perth. He is one of the most experienced news directors in Australia," said Channel Nine Perth managing director David Mott. His hands-on approach to news production has seen him achieve record ratings. He has a unique ability to determine what interests the people of Perth. Menegola is replacing David Stacey, who has accepted a role with UWA as media manager. Seven News easily beats Nine News in the TV ratings. Last night, 195,000 West Australians tuned into Seven's 6pm bulletin, compared to the 89,000 who watched Nine. Sports presenter Thomson left Nine in 2011 after working there for more than 25 years, just months after fellow news presenter Dixie Marshall quit. He will bring depth and experience to our sports team, and above all else he's a great bloke," said Mr Mott. Thomson, 52, is resigning as Marketing and Communications Manager for Surf Life Saving Western Australia to return to the TV industry.