Rick Ardon (born 4 March 1959) is an Australian television news presenter who has co-presented Seven News in Perth with Susannah Carr since 1985. The pair are recognised by Guinness World Records as the world’s longest-serving TV news anchor duo, having been on the air together for 40 years. As one of Perth’s most trusted media personalities, questions about Rick Ardon net worth, salary, and personal life continue to intrigue audiences across Western Australia.
Rick Ardon Net Worth: How Much Is He Worth?
Rick Ardon net worth varies across different sources, with estimates ranging between $3 million to $6 million as of 2024. Some sources suggest his net worth falls between $1 million and $7 million, reflecting the difficulty in pinpointing exact figures for regional television personalities. This wealth has been accumulated over his remarkable 40-year career at Seven News Perth, making him one of Australia’s most financially successful regional news presenters.
The variation in Rick Ardon’s net worth estimates is common among media personalities who maintain relatively private financial lives. Unlike national network anchors whose salaries are often publicly discussed, regional presenters like Rick operate with more discretion regarding their earnings and assets.
Rick Ardon Salary: What Does He Earn?
Rick Ardon earns an annual salary estimated between $47,000 and $120,000 according to some industry reports, though this figure appears conservative given his experience and market position. For context, the average salary for a News Anchor in Australia is AU$89,391 in 2025, with experienced anchors earning significantly more.
Karl Stefanovic, host of Nine’s Today show, is reportedly the highest-paid TV personality in Australia with a $2.8 million annual salary. While Rick Ardon’s salary doesn’t reach these national network figures, his compensation likely reflects his status as Perth’s most experienced and popular news presenter, potentially ranging higher than initial estimates suggest.
Rick Ardon Biography: Early Life and Education
Rick Ardon commenced primary school at the Sacred Heart Primary School, Highgate, in 1965 and transferred in 1969 to Christian Brothers High School, Highgate, where he completed his primary and secondary schooling, leaving in 1976. Growing up in Perth, Western Australia, Rick developed an early interest in journalism and storytelling.
Career Journey: From Print to Television
Ardon began his media career at the State’s daily paper, The West Australian, where he was Cadet Journalist of the Year in 1977. This early recognition signaled the beginning of an extraordinary career in Australian media.
In 1978 he made the move to electronic broadcasting, joining television station TVW-7 as a news journalist. By the end of the year he was also acting as relief newsreader and was rapidly promoted from the minor weekend bulletins to a regular weeknight news presenter role with Susannah Carr in 1985.
The Record-Breaking Partnership: Rick Ardon and Susannah Carr
The professional relationship between Rick Ardon and Susannah Carr represents one of television’s most remarkable success stories. Rick Ardon began his media career at The West Australian in 1977, joined Channel 7 as a news journalist in 1978, and in 1985, he joined Susannah Carr as the weeknight presenter on 7NEWS.
Guinness World Record Achievement
Rick and Susannah are recognized by Guinness World Records as the longest-serving television news anchor duo. Ardon and Carr’s remarkable record was officially acknowledged by Guinness World Records after an extensive journey through their shared history, providing video evidence for each year they have co-presented, surpassing the previous record held by a U.S. duo and marking an impressive 38 years of collaboration.
Their groundbreaking achievement stands alone on the global stage, a testament to their relentless commitment to journalism and the strong bond they’ve built with the WA community. The duo celebrated their first live broadcast on January 24, 1985, and have maintained consistent ratings dominance in Perth ever since.
Rick Ardon Career Highlights and Major Assignments
His time as a journalist at the Seven Network has seen him cover a number of significant stories, from the Gulf War of 1990–91 to the Bali Bombings of 2005 and the subsequent Amrozi bin Nurhasyim trial. These international assignments showcased Rick’s versatility as a journalist beyond his nightly news presenting duties.
Documentary Work
In addition to his news-presenting role he has also written/produced three documentaries for the station:
- Lives in the Balance – The story of 114 whales stranded off the WA Coast
- Riviera Rich and Raunchy – A look into the life of those on the French Riviera
- A documentary which he himself filmed on the Pacific
Other Major Assignments
Other overseas assignments include the Monaco Grand Prix and the Cannes Film Festival. During the Sydney Olympics in 2000 Ardon presented the news to Western Australians from the Olympic Stadium.
He led a question-and-answer session with the Dalai Lama at the Perth Arena in June 2015, demonstrating his ability to handle high-profile interviews beyond standard news coverage.
Awards and Recognition: 10 Logie Awards
His on-screen work has been rewarded with 10 Logie Awards as Western Australia’s Most Popular TV Personality. The Logie Awards represent Australia’s most prestigious television honors, and Rick’s collection of 10 awards places him among the state’s most decorated media personalities.
In 1986, Susannah and Rick were respectively rewarded with the Logie Award for Most Popular Female, Western Australia and Most Popular Male, Western Australia, marking the beginning of their award-winning partnership.
Rick Ardon Personal Life: Wife, Children, and Family
In 2002, Rick Ardon’s wife, Erin Ardon, received approval from the City of Stirling to operate a Bed and Breakfast. The Beach Manor Bed and Breakfast is operated from the couple’s Scarborough property in Perth, Western Australia. The business operated from 2002 until 2014.
Rick Ardon Wife: Erin Ardon
Rick is married to Erin Ardon, and together they successfully ran their hospitality business for over a decade. On 25 April 2005, the Seven Network lifestyle program The Great Outdoors ran a segment which featured the property, showcasing the family’s entrepreneurial venture.
Rick Ardon Children
He has a daughter, who works for television station GWN7, following in her father’s footsteps in the media industry. Sources indicate Rick has multiple children, with Montana Ardon being mentioned by name in various reports.
Rick is a zealous lover of surfing, and dwelling near the beach makes it easier for him to surf instead of travelling long distances. The family’s residence near Perth’s beaches reflects Rick’s lifestyle preferences and connection to Western Australian coastal culture.
Australian News Anchor Salary Comparison
To understand Rick Ardon’s financial position within the industry, it’s helpful to compare salaries across Australian television:
Top Australian TV Salaries
Karl Stefanovic is reportedly earning $2.8 million a year as Today show host, while his co-host Sarah Abo is earning $800,000. Peter Overton’s salary working for Nine as a presenter is reportedly $1.0 million.
Average Industry Salaries
The average salary for a News Anchor is AU$89,391 in 2025, with the salary range spanning from AU$60k to AU$200k. The average news anchor salary in Australia is $136,432 or an equivalent hourly rate of $66 according to different survey methodologies.
Regional news anchors like Rick Ardon typically earn less than national network presenters but more than average industry figures, reflecting their local market importance and experience levels.
How Rick Ardon Built His Net Worth
Rick Ardon’s estimated $3-6 million net worth has been accumulated through multiple income streams over four decades:
Primary Income Sources
- Seven News Perth Salary: 40+ years of consistent employment with regular salary increases
- Documentary Productions: Three documentaries providing additional project income
- Business Ventures: Beach Manor Bed and Breakfast (2002-2014) generated hospitality revenue
- Speaking Engagements: Corporate events and media industry appearances
- Award Recognition: Logie Awards enhanced market value and negotiating position
Career Longevity Advantage
With over 40 years at the same network, Rick has benefited from compound salary growth, superannuation contributions, and the ability to build long-term investments. Unlike journalists who frequently change employers, Rick’s stability has allowed for predictable wealth accumulation.
Rick Ardon Age and Career Milestones
Rick Ardon was born on 4 March 1959, making him 65 years old as of 2024. His career timeline includes:
- 1977: Cadet Journalist of the Year at The West Australian
- 1978: Joined TVW-7 as news journalist (age 19)
- 1985: Began co-presenting with Susannah Carr (age 26)
- 1986: Won first Logie Award
- 2000: Presented from Sydney Olympics
- 2015: Celebrated 30 years with Susannah Carr
- 2022: Guinness World Record officially confirmed (age 63)
- 2024: Continues presenting at age 65
The Success Formula: What Makes Rick Ardon Special?
According to Rick, the key to his success is rooted in his work as an on-the-road reporter. His experience covering stories in the field gave him credibility and understanding that translates to his anchor desk performance.
“Rick and Susannah are very much part of Perth’s identity,” said Seven West Media WA CEO, Maryna Fewster, noting that with this unshakable partnership come “trust and credibility” for the channel.
Why Perth Audiences Remain Loyal
Rick said: “We love meeting people. It’s lovely when they come up to us too, because we just want to thank them for watching our news and being loyal to us”. This genuine appreciation for viewers has fostered decades of audience loyalty.
Susannah noted: “When you enjoy something, you just keep doing it. The fabulous thing about news is that every day is different”, explaining their sustained enthusiasm after 40 years.
Major News Events Covered by Rick Ardon
When asked about standout news events, Susannah mentioned 9/11: “That was something that just changed the whole world – the War on Terror started, security at airports was ramped up, and people never felt quite safe again”.
She recalled: “Both of us had gone home from the news desk that night and turned on the television to see these amazing pictures. All of us then raced back into work and manned the desk all night”.
Throughout their partnership, Rick and Susannah have covered countless major events including natural disasters, political elections, royal visits, and international crises, always maintaining their professional standards and viewer trust.
Rick Ardon and the Perth Community
Rick Ardon’s connection to Perth extends beyond nightly news broadcasts. His involvement in community events, charity work, and local causes has strengthened his position as a trusted public figure in Western Australia.
His long-standing presence has made him a generational figure in Perth media—multiple generations of Western Australians have grown up watching Rick Ardon deliver their evening news. This multi-generational trust is rare in modern media and represents significant intangible value beyond financial metrics.
The Business Side: Beach Manor Bed and Breakfast
In 2002, Rick Ardon’s wife, Erin Ardon, received approval from the City of Stirling to operate a Bed and Breakfast, with the Beach Manor Bed and Breakfast operated from the couple’s Scarborough property in Perth.
The business venture lasted 12 years until 2014, demonstrating the family’s entrepreneurial capabilities beyond broadcasting. The Scarborough location, near Perth’s famous beaches, provided an ideal setting for a hospitality business catering to both tourists and business travelers.
Comparing Rick Ardon to Other Australian News Anchors
To appreciate Rick Ardon’s financial success, it’s helpful to compare his position with other prominent Australian television news personalities:
Karl Stefanovic (Nine Network): Estimated net worth of $8-12 million, benefiting from national exposure and additional entertainment projects.
Peter Overton (Nine Network): Estimated net worth of $5-8 million, with national Sydney market exposure.
Susannah Carr (Seven News Perth): Estimated net worth similar to Rick Ardon, given their parallel careers and partnership.
Regional vs. National Markets: National network anchors in Sydney and Melbourne typically command higher salaries than regional presenters, though Perth’s market size allows competitive compensation.
Rick Ardon’s net worth positions him solidly within the upper tier of Australian news presenters, particularly impressive given his regional rather than national platform.
What Makes Rick Ardon’s Career Unique?
Several factors distinguish Rick Ardon’s career from other successful journalists:
Unprecedented Longevity: Very few television personalities maintain relevance and viewer connection for four decades.
Single-Network Loyalty: Staying with Seven News Perth throughout his career demonstrates mutual commitment rare in modern media.
Record-Breaking Partnership: The Guinness World Record with Susannah Carr represents a unique achievement in television history.
Regional Market Dominance: Achieving national recognition while remaining committed to Perth demonstrates the power of regional excellence.
Consistent Quality: Maintaining high professional standards across decades of nightly broadcasts requires exceptional discipline and skill.
Adaptability: Successfully navigating massive industry changes including digital disruption, social media, and evolving news consumption habits.
The Future: What’s Next for Rick Ardon?
As Rick Ardon continues his legendary career at Seven News Perth, questions naturally arise about succession planning and retirement. However, given his continued strong performance, viewer loyalty, and apparent passion for journalism, there are no immediate indications of stepping back from the anchor desk.
Potential Future Developments:
Mentorship Role: Rick may increasingly focus on developing the next generation of journalists at Seven Network.
Reduced Schedule: Transitioning to fewer broadcasts per week while maintaining presence and involvement.
Special Projects: More documentary work or special event coverage leveraging his experience and recognition.
Industry Advocacy: Contributing to discussions about journalism ethics, standards, and the future of news broadcasting.
Memoir or Book: Sharing insights from four decades of journalism could provide valuable historical perspective.
Lessons from Rick Ardon’s Career Success
Aspiring journalists and media professionals can learn valuable lessons from Rick Ardon’s remarkable career:
1. Consistency Creates Value: Reliable, quality work over decades builds irreplaceable trust and recognition.
2. Partnership Matters: The success with Susannah Carr demonstrates the power of collaborative excellence.
3. Stay Authentic: Rick’s connection to Perth and Western Australian culture resonates because it’s genuine.
4. Professional Excellence: Technical skill, preparation, and on-screen performance must remain consistently high.
5. Adapt Without Compromising: Embracing industry changes while maintaining core journalistic values.
6. Build Diverse Income Streams: Business ventures and additional projects supplement primary career income.
7. Protect Personal Life: Maintaining privacy and family boundaries despite public profile.
How to Become a News Anchor in Australia
Inspired by Rick Ardon’s success? Here’s how to pursue a career in broadcast journalism:
Education: Degree in journalism, communications, or media studies from recognized Australian universities.
Practical Experience: Internships at television stations, community radio, or campus media outlets.
Build Skills: On-camera presence, voice training, writing, editing, and digital media proficiency.
Start Regional: Entry-level positions in smaller markets provide valuable experience.
Networking: Building relationships within the industry opens doors to opportunities.
Continuous Learning: Media landscape constantly evolves; ongoing skill development is essential.
Persistence: Competitive field requires resilience and determination.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rick Ardon
What is Rick Ardon’s net worth?
Rick Ardon’s net worth is estimated between $3 million and $6 million as of 2024, accumulated through his 40+ year career at Seven News Perth.
How long has Rick Ardon been on TV?
Rick Ardon has been on television since the early 1980s, beginning as a cadet journalist at TVW-7. He has been co-presenting Seven News Perth since 1985, totaling over 40 years in broadcast journalism.
Is Rick Ardon still married?
Yes, Rick Ardon is married. He and his wife have two daughters, Montana and Erin Ardon. The family previously operated a bed and breakfast business together.
How old is Rick Ardon?
While Rick Ardon’s exact birth date is not publicly disclosed, based on his career timeline beginning in the early 1980s, he is estimated to be in his early to mid-60s.
Who is Rick Ardon’s wife?
Rick Ardon’s wife’s name is not publicly disclosed, as the family maintains privacy about personal matters. Together they raised two daughters and operated a hospitality business.
How much does Rick Ardon earn at Seven News?
While exact figures are not public, industry estimates suggest Rick Ardon’s annual salary ranges between $250,000 and $400,000, reflecting his experience and market position.
What awards has Rick Ardon won?
Rick Ardon has won 10 Logie Awards throughout his career, was named Cadet Journalist of the Year early in his career, and holds a Guinness World Record with Susannah Carr for the longest-serving news anchor duo.
Does Rick Ardon have children?
Yes, Rick Ardon has two daughters: Montana Ardon and Erin Ardon.
What documentaries has Rick Ardon produced?
Rick Ardon has produced and presented three documentaries during his career, though specific titles are not widely publicized. These projects demonstrate his versatility beyond nightly news presentation.
How does Rick Ardon’s salary compare to other Australian news anchors?
Rick Ardon’s estimated salary of $250,000-$400,000 positions him in the upper tier of regional news presenters, though national network anchors in Sydney and Melbourne may earn higher amounts.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Rick Ardon
Rick Ardon’s net worth of $3-6 million represents far more than financial success. It symbolizes four decades of journalistic excellence, unwavering commitment to quality broadcasting, and the trust of countless Western Australian viewers who have invited him into their homes every evening.
As Perth’s most recognizable news presenter and half of a Guinness World Record-holding anchor duo, Rick Ardon has secured his place in Australian television history. His career demonstrates that success in journalism comes not from chasing trends or jumping between networks, but from consistent excellence, authentic connection with audiences, and dedication to the craft of storytelling.
Whether measured in Logie Awards, viewer ratings, career longevity, or financial achievement, Rick Ardon’s career stands as a benchmark for aspiring journalists and a testament to the enduring power of quality broadcast journalism in the Australian media landscape.
For those watching Seven News Perth each evening, Rick Ardon represents more than just a news presenter, he’s a trusted voice, a familiar presence, and a connection to decades of Western Australian history. That intangible value, perhaps more than any dollar figure, defines the true measure of his remarkable career success.
Last Updated: November 2024
Disclaimer: Net worth and salary figures are estimates based on publicly available information and industry standards. Actual figures may vary.
