Nine news anchor Georgie Gardner has paid tribute to longtime weather presenter Amber Sherlock, who has been let go as part of a major restructure at the network.
Gardner signed off the latest Sydney Nine News bulletin with an emotional farewell to Sherlock, who was notably absent from her usual role earlier in the week.
“Before we go tonight, we’d like to extend a farewell to our colleague Amber Sherlock,” Gardner said.
“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.”
The popular weather presenter is among several high-profile staff affected by Nine’s restructure, which brings together its broadcast and streaming divisions.
Sherlock, 49, joined Nine in 2007 and became a familiar face to viewers across Sydney. In 2017, she made headlines after behind-the-scenes footage of her clashing with a colleague over a wardrobe choice was leaked online – a moment she later described as an overreaction.
She now joins a growing list of presenters whose roles have been cut, including 9News Queensland sports reporter Jonathan Uptin and longtime Adelaide newsreader Kate Collins.
Mediaweek previously reported that Uptin’s contract was not renewed, while Collins was said to be “heartbroken” to have been let go.
This comes days after Nine spokesperson revealed that consultations had begun with affected staff.
“We have this week commenced consultation with some team members, whose roles within Nine’s Streaming and Broadcast division are impacted by our new operating model,” the spokesperson told news.com.au.
“The new operating model formally brings together teams across Stan, Channel 9 and 9Now. It is designed to reduce duplication, drive greater collaboration and deliver commercial growth for Nine, while working to offset the challenging external advertising market.
“Our primary focus during the consultation is supporting these team members through access to our employee wellbeing provider, as well as exploring redeployment opportunities within the broader Nine Group.”
The cuts have sparked reaction within the media industry, with Adelaide radio host David Penberthy criticising the network over Kate Collins’ departure.
“I reckon the biggest story in Adelaide right now is the way poor old Kate Collins has been treated by Channel 9,” Penberthy said on-air.
“It’s a classic example of the head office in Sydney treating us like you-know-what, and as a result, there’s one fewer South Aussie on our TV screens.
“The manner in which this was handled I think, was appalling – apparently she only found out in the middle of the day yesterday,” he said.
“I think this is P-I-double S weak – she’s lovely, she’s really smart, she’s good at her job. Part of this is the commercial squeeze on commercial TV everywhere. Good luck to her and she’ll land on her feet, but (it’s) a crap way to treat a good person.”
Image: news.com.au/ Nine
