Nine anchor Georgie Gardner signed off the latest Sydney Nine bulletin with an emotional farewell to sacked weather reader Amber Sherlock.
The popular weather woman is among the latest high-profile casualties as the Nine network looks to restructure its newly created broadcast and streaming division and implement a “new operating model.”
Following the news breaking earlier this week, Gardner took a minute to pay tribute to Amber Sherlock, who had been mysteriously absent from her usual role as weather presenter on Nine’s evening bulletin on Monday.
Before we go tonight, we’d like to extend a farewell to our colleague Amber Sherlock,” said Gardner.
“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 is just one of many on-air talents to be impacted by the restructure.
Mediaweek reported previously that 9News Queensland sports reporter Jonathan Uptin has not had his contract renewed and that longtime Nine presenter Kate Collins is “heartbroken” to have been let go.
Sherlock, 49, joined Nine in 2007 and found herself at the centre of a controversy in 2017 when footage leaked that showed her having an on-set clash with a fellow presenter because they were wearing similar outfits. Sherlock later conceded she had “probably overreacted” in the footage, which was quickly dubbed “JacketGate.”
A Nine spokesperson today told news.com.au: “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 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.”
On Tuesday, a popular radio host denounced Collins’ firing publicly.
“I reckon the biggest story in Adelaide right now is the way poor old Kate Collins has been treated by Channel 9,” FIVEAA’s David Penberthy said on-air on Tuesday morning.
“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 (it’s) a crap way to treat a good person.”
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