Nine newsreader Kate Collins has reportedly been axed after almost 20 years with the network, as they continue to restructure their broadcast and streaming division.
The presenter is reportedly “heartbroken”, after getting axed just days after she hosted the SA capital’s Christmas Pageant coverage for Nine, according to The Adelaide Advertiser.
FIVEAA radio host David Penberthy also denounced Nine for letting go of Collins, live on-air.
“I reckon the biggest story in Adelaide right now is the way poor old Kate Collins has been treated by Channel 9,” he said.
“I mean treated by Channel 9 nationally. 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 continued.
“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 a crap way to treat a good person.”
News.com.au reported that up to 50 jobs may be affected by the restructure, with some staff to be redeployed somewhere else. It has been reported that the aim of the restructure is to reduce duplication of roles in the business.
Further reports from Mediaweek claim that 9News Queensland sports reporter Jonathan Uptin’s contract has not be renewed and longtime Nine presenter Amber Sherlock has also been let go.
This comes after she failed to appear in her usual role as weather presenter on Nine’s evening bulletin on Monday.
“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,” a Nine 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.”
Image: Nine
