Another Nine executive departs after cultural review

Nine has confirmed to Mediaweek that additional leadership changes have been communicated within its TV News division. The network is initiating both internal and external recruitment processes for news director positions in Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth.

Simon Hobbs, Nine’s Sydney news director, is the latest senior executive to exit the network. He has worked as director of news in Sydney since 2012.

His departure follows last week’s sudden exit of Queensland news director Amanda Paterson, who was called into a meeting shortly before staff were informed of her departure. According to The Australian, Paterson has now sought legal representation.

Pictured: Simon Hobbs.

As part of the interim reshuffle, Melbourne news director Hugh Nailon will assume expanded responsibilities while Nine works to fill the news director roles in Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth.

These leadership adjustments come in the wake of the ‘Intersection’ report, which exposed systemic issues within Nine’s workplace culture, including bullying and sexual harassment. The report did not name specific individuals, sparking backlash among staff who are now demanding greater accountability.

Simon Hobbs is set to officially depart from Nine on Friday, 15 November.