Nine national director of news and current affairs, Darren Wick, is leaving the network after 29 years at the company, 13 years in the position, and more than a month away from the office.
His lengthy absence sparked internal speculation as to his future at the media business.
Wick broke the news to Nine colleagues in an email he sent tonight at 6:36pm. “Some of you are aware that I have taken a few weeks off to think about my future,” he wrote in the email seen by Mediaweek. “And after many long beach walks and even longer conversations, I know in my heart that this is the right time for me to step down and leave Nine.
“I don’t want to use the word ‘retiring’ because I don’t know how to sit idle. But I am going to take a very long break from what has been four decades of working as a journalist. I’m tired and need a rest.”
At 6:43pm, director of television Michael Healy replied to the email thanking Wick, writing: “As always in news there are tremendous ups and downs, wins and challenges and Wickie has seen more than most.”
“There will be further announcements from the business about Wickie’s replacement and process going forward.
“For now I’ll continue to work closely with the news caff [current affairs] teams, and I look forward to continuing to build on the momentum of outstanding performance across the board.
“I personally want to thank Wickie for his commitment to the Nine News brand and wish him well.”
Wick held multiple roles over the course of his career at Nine, including executive producer of Today Show and A Current Affair.
“The drive and ability that you have to rally together and cover any major story better than anyone else is always humbling to watch,” Wick continued in his note to colleagues.
“And you do it time after time. Nine is so much more than a company. It’s a family. And it’s a terrific one.
“All of our news teams and programs are set up to have a hugely successful 2024. And I’m so excited to see what Wide World of Sports is going to do with Nine’s Paris Olympics and Paralympics coverage.
“I genuinely do LOVE YOUSE [sic] ALL.”
In 2021, Wick was charged with drink driving for being more than four times over the legal limit while driving home from a work event. He avoided jail.
See also: Boardroom lunch, attended by Darren Wick, to celebrate Peter Hitchener’s 50 years at Nine