OTTAWA - Prime Minister Stephen Harper has chosen a political journalist to be his top communications adviser.
Angelo Persichilli will replace Dimitri Soudas next week as Harper's director of communications.
Persichilli, 63, was a columnist for the Toronto Star and political editor of Italian-language newspaper Corriere Canadese.
He also contributed regular political columns to The Hill Times newspaper and the Toronto Sun, and appeared as a commentator on network news programs.
Born in Castellino, Italy, Perscichilli emigrated to Canada in 1975. He was involved in multicultural broadcasting in Toronto, reaching the post of vice president at CFMT, now called Omni.
Persichilli does not speak French, but says he will be working to learn the language.
He says he's looking forward to the new challenge.
"I'm honoured and privileged for this job, for the appointment and I'm honoured to serve Prime Minister Stephen Harper's government," Persichilli said.
Harper's bilingual press secretary Andrew MacDougall will take on the role of associate director of communications and be the main spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office.
The choice of Persichilli is a departure from Harper's previous communications chiefs, who were plucked from Conservative ranks and often had a rocky relationship with the national media.
"I think Angelo is someone who's proven his ability to communicate, with over 30 years experience in print and broadcasting. He understands the needs of the media and the people they cover," said a senior government source.
"He'll bring a different perspective to the the office. ... He's someone who will help us plot the long game."
