Channel 9 has hit back at Amber Sherlock’s claims that her age was the predominant reason why she was made redundant.
The former weather presenter was dumped from the network in November after nearly 20 years, and she’s now opened up about why she reckoned she got the flick.
In an interview with Stellar, Amber said she “honestly” felt being a 50-year-old was more of an issue than her salary.
But a spokesperson for Channel 9 told Yahoo Lifestyle that’s not the case.
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“Nine does not discriminate against any individual on the basis of age or any other factor,” they said.
“We strongly reject any suggestion that this influences any decision to remove a role that is no longer required in our business.
“The dedicated role of the 6pm weather presenter for 9News Sydney was made redundant in November 2025.
“Since then, a number of different reporters and presenters have presented the 6pm weather in addition to filling other roles across the network.”
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In Amber’s interview with Stellar, she said she wasn’t on a “huge” salary compared to other presenters, so it left her wondering whether something else was at play.
“It’s unfortunate and I think the people that have gone on and are stepping into the role I was doing are 10 to 15 years younger than me,” she said.
The 50-year-old had been at the network since 2007 and had risen through the ranks to score the role on the coveted nightly 6pm bulletin.
Over those years, she presented the weather on Nine News Sydney, hosted the daily national one hour news bulletin Nine News Now, and also hosted Weekend Today.
It’s no secret that there are elements of ageism in the world of TV and movies, with women over 50 sometimes being sidelined for younger candidates.
But in Channel 9’s case, the network has some fairly high-profile female presenters and journalists in the news and current affairs departments who are the same age or older than Amber.
There’s Deb Knight (53), Tracy Grimshaw (63), Leila McKinnon (53), Tara Brown (58), Melissa Downes (52), and Monika Kos (58) who have been at Nine for years.
Georgie Gardner, who is 55 and has been a presenter on Nine News Sydney, recently announced she would be leaving the network next month.
What is Amber Sherlock doing next?
Amber highlighted how young people aren’t consuming news like their older counterparts.
They’re far more likely to absorb information through their phones, however, those who tune into the 6pm nightly bulletins are “declining”.
The 50-year-old said TV networks needed to “accept” that presenters are going to age and that “people are okay seeing themselves reflected on the TV”.
She praised Karl Stefanovic, another Channel 9 veteran, for launching his own podcast and expanding his CV beyond the network.
Channel 9’s Amber Sherlock was axed from the network after 18 years. Source: Instagram/Amber Sherlock
The ex-weather presenter said its imperative to “be branching out” these days to ensure your survival.
When she formally announced her departure from Channel 9, she said she had “some exciting projects on the go”.
While she didn’t confirm anything in the Stellar interview, she did hint she could even follow in Karl’s footsteps.
“Other mediums like podcasting are increasing, and are creating opportunities for women over 50s’ voices to be heard and our faces to be seen,” Amber said.
“I think there’s an audience crying out for that, too.”
Amber Sherlock’s parting dig at Channel 9
In Amber’s social media statement about her axing, she thanked everyone for welcoming her into their homes every night.
“Over the years, I’ve made lifelong friends, shared countless laughs, and celebrated many milestones,” she said on Instagram.
“I’ve enjoyed 30 years in Australian television built on hard work, grit and resilience and have always believed that dedication pays off.
“While I was offered the possibility of a few other roles, it makes sense to step away now and look at something fresh.”
She also took the time to get a dig in at Channel 9 during the statement.
“For a nation obsessed with weather, I’ve loved bringing a little sunshine to every bulletin,” she added.
“Just like Melbourne turned a bit greyer with Livinia’s departure announced last week, Sydney’s feeling a little cloudier now too.
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“It seems like it’s the end of an era for dedicated 6pm weather presenters as ‘streamlining’ seems to be the prevailing forecast. Good luck to whoever is brave enough to tackle the new BOM website.”
The Nine Group’s new operating model was reportedly hoping to cut $100 million.
The roles up for consideration existed 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.
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