David Woiwod: 7News US bureau chief to join Weekend Sunrise alongside Monique Wright, replaces Matt Doran

David Woiwod has been announced as a new host of Weekend Sunrise, taking on the new role alongside Monique Wright.

The 7News US bureau chief returned from the States this week, where he has been based for the past five years reporting on some of the biggest world events.

The foreign correspondent and seasoned newsbreaker will be a familiar face to Weekend Sunrise viewers having been Sunrise’s resident Melbourne reporter for four years before heading to America.

Woiwod said he was ready to tackle early morning starts and inform Aussies of the news on their days off.

“Five years on the road as a foreign correspondent covering the world’s biggest events has prepared me for the major stories, early hours and bad coffee that 3am starts demand — I’m excited and ready,” he said.

“In all seriousness, this is a thrilling full circle moment for me. I’m beyond excited to return to the Sunrise family and to keep telling the stories that matter most to Australians.

“Mon is the most talented, generous, hilarious and wickedly smart person to work with and I look forward to riding her coattails until the bosses notice.

“Aussies lead busy lives, so to be invited into their homes on precious weekend mornings is a privilege not lost on me.”

Seven’s director of morning television Sarah Stinson said his “depth of experience, strong work ethic and authentic warmth make him the perfect choice for this role”.

Woiwod is no stranger to the intensity of live reporting having spent two decades covering the biggest stories in Australia and around the world.

He most recently spent two months in Israel during the war and notably faced rocket fire from Hamas during a live cross from the Gaza border.

He led 7NEWS’ US Presidential election coverage including the assassination attempt on Donald Trump.

Woiwod has been at the scene of America’s biggest tragedies — including school shootings in Texas and Tennessee, as well as deadly race riots and the devastation caused by hurricanes, wildfires and floods.

He was also the only Australian journalist on the scene in Canada’s Newfoundland province during the Titan Submersible tragedy.

The storyteller replaces Matt Doran who finished up last Sunday after five years in the TV time slot.

“You guys know how much I love you,“ an emotional Doran said on-air as his wife Kendall Bora and the crew gathered around him.

“It sounds like a thing that people say but the crew... Thank you to every single person here. They do the most amazing job.

“Mon, I am going to miss you beyond words, Sal [Sally Bowrey] and Beretts [Mark Beretta] as well, give me the biggest hug you can manufacture.”

Doran’s last day on air came two weeks after he announced he would be stepping away from the role.

Join David Woiwod for his first edition of Weekend Sunrise on Saturday live from 7am on Channel 7 and 7plus.