The West Australian appoints new editor

Media executive Brett McCarthy has been appointed editor of The West Australian newspaper.

West Australian Newspapers Ltd chief executive Chris Wharton says 42-year-old Mr McCarthy has a strong track record as a journalist and editor.

It was reported yesterday that Mr McCarthy, a former editor of the Sunday Times for six years until 2007, was chosen as the outstanding candidate for the job from a very strong field.

The appointment comes after former editor Paul Armstrong's five-year reign ended abruptly in January when Seven Network chairman Kerry Stokes won a fight to seize control of the WAN board, becoming chairman in December last year.