Another casualty at Channel Nine as award-winning reporter abruptly departs network
Long-serving QTQ News director Amanda Paterson has officially left her role at Channel Nine, marking another high-profile departure from the network.
A source confirmed Paterson’s departure to Ny Breaking Australia and revealed the leadership void will be temporarily filled as Nine looks for a permanent replacement.
Kate Donnison will take on the role on a short-term basis until QTQ EP Brendan Hockings returns from his annual leave and trip to the United States.
Hockings will then step into the position until a final hiring decision is made.
Paterson, who was appointed Queensland News Director in 2016, leaves an impressive legacy in Australian journalism.
Paterson started her career as a 19-year-old reporter and quickly rose through the ranks to become a renowned investigative journalist with three Walkley Award nominations and multiple Queensland Media Awards.
Her fearless approach to reporting led to hard-hitting revelations, including investigations into medical negligence, sporting misconduct and even a confession to a murder caught on camera, leading to a successful cold case solution.
During her tenure, Paterson was instrumental in revitalizing the Queensland bureau, mentoring a new generation of journalists and earning the trust of viewers.
Long-serving QTQ News director Amanda Paterson (pictured) has officially left her role at Channel Nine, marking another high-profile departure from the network
A source confirmed Paterson’s departure to Ny Breaking Australia and revealed the leadership void will be temporarily filled as Nine looks for a permanent replacement
She also led her team to consistent viewing figures in one of Australia’s most competitive media markets, according to TVBlackbox.
Channel Nine’s leadership now faces the challenge of filling the void left by such an esteemed figure.
As staff prepare for further changes, Paterson’s departure represents a significant loss to the network, especially during this critical period of reflection and restructuring.
Paterson, who was appointed Queensland News Director in 2016, leaves an impressive legacy in Australian journalism
Paterson’s departure comes amid a turbulent period for Channel Nine, following the recent publication of an independent report that revealed widespread problems within the network, including ‘a systemic problem with abuse of power and authority; bullying, discrimination and harassment; and sexual harassment.”
The report’s findings have intensified scrutiny into Nine’s internal culture and management practices, which reportedly left employees feeling ‘betrayed’ and disillusioned.
Fiona Dear, Nine Entertainment’s head of news and current affairs, has sent an email to staff out of hours with a damning report on Nine’s culture
In response to the report, Fiona Dear, Nine’s head of television news and current affairs, sent an email to staff out of hours, acknowledging the pain and challenges faced by the team.
“I wanted to say how proud I have been of the professionalism you all showed in telling this incredibly painful story last week and the way you have handled yourselves since the report was published,” Dear wrote in the e email sent at 8:29 p.m., just days after the damning report surfaced.
Staff insiders have expressed frustration at the network’s handling of these revelations, with some condemning management’s “terrible leadership skills” in the wake of the report.
The similarities in timing between Dear’s late email and former news boss Darren Wick’s resignation letter earlier this year have not gone unnoticed by employees, causing further dissatisfaction.