Channel 9’s news presenter Amber Sherlock has officially been confirmed as leaving the network after nearly two decades. Speculation that she had been caught up in Nine’s sweeping redundancies erupted earlier this week when she was noticeably absent from Monday night’s broadcast.
Channel 9 told Yahoo Lifestyle that it was undergoing a “consultation process” with a selection of workers and couldn’t confirm or deny that Sherlock was included in that group. However, news presenter Georgie Gardener confirmed the update at the end of Wednesday night’s 6pm news.
“Before we go tonight, we’d like to extend a farewell to our colleague Amber Sherlock,” Gardner said.
RELATED:
“For a number of years, she has been a valued member of the news team, bringing us our weather reports.
“I’d like to thank Amber for her contribution, and we wish her and her family the best.”
Sherlock had been at Channel 9 since 2007.
In that time, she presented the weather on Nine News Sydney, hosted the daily national one hour news bulletin Nine News Now, and also hosted Weekend Today.
String of high-profile redundancies at Channel 9
When Yahoo Lifestyle approached Channel 9 about Sherlock’s future, it said that people had to “respect” the process before anything would be revealed or announced.
“Once that’s complete, we’re working through a plan to address internally,” the network spokesperson said.
Channel 9 is axing dozens of roles at the moment due to a “new operating model”, which could save the network millions of dollars a year.
The roles up for consideration exist in within Nine’s “Streaming and Broadcast division” and the new model will bring together teams across Stan, Channel 9 and 9Now.
Nine said this will reduce a duplication of roles, drive “greater collaboration”, and deliver “commercial growth” for the network.
In addition to Sherlock, long-time Adelaide presenter Kate Collins has also been given the chop.
Kate Collins was shocked that her time at Channel 9 has come to an end like this. Picture Channel 9
Nine News director Jeremy Pudney formally confirmed on Wednesday she would be leaving.
“Kate has been with Nine for 19 years and this decision is in no way reflective of her talent, skills or dedication,” Pudney said.
“I’d like to personally thank Kate and wish her the very best for her future.”
Collins told The Advertiser the decision to let her go took her by complete surprise.
“I was not aware this was even on the cards. As far as I’m concerned, it’s completely come from nowhere,” she said.
“There was no inkling to suggest this could have been a possibility. I don’t understand it. I haven’t been given a clear reason as to why me.”
Regional NBN News presenter Gavin Morris was also absent from his presenting gig on Monday and Tuesday night, where he usually reads the daily news for alongside Natasha Beyersdorf.
Gavin Morris is another veteran Channel 9 presenter who could be caught-up in the network’s redundancy program. Picture: Channel 9
TV Blackbox claimed he has also been caught-up in the cost-cutting program and had been at the network since 2009.
Melbourne football reporter Tom Morris has also left Channel 9 and defected to rival network Channel 7.
9News Melbourne presenter Livinia Nixon announced her departure last week, saying it was a tough decision to make.
SHOP:
“As you know, the juggle of modern life is unrelenting and I need to spend more time with my boys,” she wrote on social media.
“Thank you for allowing me the privilege of being in your lounge rooms every night….I haven’t always got the forecast right, but hey, that’s Melbourne for you.
“I’m so grateful for so many years surrounded by a wonderful News team and I’m proud to be leaving on a high. I shall be cheering 9News on from the sidelines.”
Want the latest lifestyle and entertainment news? Make sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.