Nine has wielded the axe on its news department, slashing jobs across both its Darwin and Gold Coast newsrooms.
A source close to Mediaweek said staff were told this afternoon, with Darwin set to bear the brunt of sackings. Among the cuts will be the axing of the 9 NEWS DARWIN bulletin, with redeployment offered to impacted staff.
Only a reporter and camera operator will remain on the ground to tell the Territory’s stories to a national audience. “It’s such a shame as it’s such a vital training ground for young journalists,” the source continued.
Instead, Territorians will now receive the Queensland bulletin seven nights a week.
Meanwhile, structural changes will impact the Gold Coast newsroom, with its nightly bulletin to be presented by a single newsreader, with Eva Milic and Paul Taylor splitting these responsibilities across the week.
Nine’s director of news and current affairs, Fiona Dear, was there to deliver the news and also send out an email to staff relaying the changes, which she says are part of the Nine Network’s plan for “long-term success”.
It reads: “We have worked tirelessly to minimise the impact on our people with redeployment opportunities and vacancies. By closing some open roles or moving individuals into vacant positions, we have reduced the impact significantly.
“These decisions are in no way reflective of the calibre of talent, professionalism and dedication of the Darwin or Gold Coast newsrooms.”
The cuts come following the recent appointment of Amanda Laing as managing director of the streaming and broadcast division, bringing together Stan, 9Now, Broadcast Television, and Radio. Following the restructure, Stan CEO Martin Kugeler and Nine CMO Liana Dubois were redundant from their roles.