Channel Nine bloodbath as up-and-comers and veterans of the TV world get the chop
Channel Nine Adelaide has announced that four members of its newsroom have been made redundant.
On Thursday the Adelaide Advertiser reported that Nine News journalist Michaela Komarek and sports reporter Emma Henderson had been fired by the network.
Also fired were Nine’s long-time cameraman Mark Himsworth and Josh Wilsher, who had been with the company for more than 15 years.
A source told the publication that the four were “much-loved members” of the Nine Adelaide team and that morale in the newsroom had been “very, very low” since their dismissals.
“People know this is the media landscape, but that doesn’t do anything for the atmosphere in the office,” the source told the publication.
It was also reported that the staff involved had been informed of their redundancies last week and had been given the option to stay on until the end of the month.
Ny Breaking Australia has reached out to Nine for comment.
The Adelaide Advertiser reported that Channel 9 Adelaide journalist Michaela Komarek and sports reporter Emma Henderson (pictured) had been fired
This latest round of layoffs follows the announcement in June that hundreds of jobs would be cut at Nine Entertainment, including roles in its TV news division.
Nine Entertainment CEO Mike Sneesby announced the layoffs as part of a $30 million cost-saving plan for the company.
“Of our national team of nearly 5,000 people, approximately 200 jobs in Nine are expected to be affected, including a number of vacant and temporary positions that will not be filled,” he said.
“People know this is the media landscape, but that doesn’t do anything for the mood in the office,” the source told the publication
‘To continue investing in digital growth opportunities within Negen, we need to manage costs responsibly throughout the cycle.’
The layoffs affect 38 positions at the leading news and current affairs program, which also includes 9News and 60 Minutes.
In addition, 90 jobs will be cut at Nine’s publishing division. These include jobs at The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and The Australian Financial Review.
Also fired were long-time Nine camera boss Mark Himsworth (pictured) and cameraman Josh Wilsher, who had been with the company for more than 15 years.
Journalists at Nine Publishing began a five-day strike last week after rejecting a revised offer from the company.
“Journalists at Nine Publishing are being asked to do more for less,” said Michelle Rae, acting chief executive of the Media Entertainment & Arts Alliance (MEAA), in a statement.
Michelle also hit out at Nine boss Mike Sneesby, who is currently in Paris to take part in the Olympic torch relay.
“It is particularly painful for our members that while they are trying to negotiate a new company agreement and deal with the stress of redundancies in the Australian winter, CEO Mike Sneesby is enjoying sunny France while taking part in the Olympic torch relay,” she said.
Block star Scott Cam was also caught up in the Nine pay dispute, with staff left “furious” after he flew to Paris to promote the upcoming season of the reality show.
‘Our members have a simple message to Mr Sneesby: get your priorities right and don’t set journalism on fire.’
Block star Scott Cam also got involved in the salary dispute, with staff “furious” because he flew to Paris to promote the upcoming season of the reality show.
Speaking to the ABCBroede Carmody, political reporter for The Age, said anger among staff was currently “hot”.
“How many jobs at Nine Publishing could we have saved if TV personalities who have nothing to do with the Olympics weren’t now sleeping in luxury hotels in Paris?” he said.
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