Channel Nine executives make a staggering call with one of its highest profile names a victim of TV bloodletting – and it means ‘no one is safe’

EXCLUSIVE

Broadcasting icon Liz Hayes is the latest victim of Nine’s brutal bloodbaths, with network executives on the verge of their biggest star’s true crime series.

Channel Nine insiders have revealed that the veteran reporter’s award-winning show Under Investigation with Liz Hayes is “under scrutiny” and could be axed amid widespread budget cuts and redundancies at the network.

Long-standing Nine staff said they were shocked by the decision, especially as she had just been nominated for a Silver Logie for her work as a presenter on the series.

“If that’s what they want to do with Liz Hayes’ show, then there’s nothing wrong with it,” a concerned network insider told Ny Breaking Australia.

‘Liz is a Nine legend and the face of the network. Even considering ending her show is just brutal – it means that absolutely no one and nothing is safe.’

While Hayes’ show may be gone, the star journalist remains with the network she first joined four decades ago, as a news reporter at Nine’s Sydney headquarters in 1981.

It’s unlikely she’ll have much free time, but her move will allow her to return to work as a reporter on the network’s flagship program, 60 Minutes.

Although Hayes is still the face of the series, she has largely disappeared from the program in recent years as she now focuses on her own crime series.

Under Investigation has built a strong following in its Tuesday night time slot since its premiere six years ago.

This year it was recognised with a gong for media diversity at the 2024 Mid-Year Celebration of Journalism, organised by the Walkley Foundation, in June for its investigation into the shooting atf Kumanjayi Walker by former Northern Territory Police Officer Zachary Rolfe.

“It’s incredibly satisfying to be recognized, especially given our small but mighty team at Under Investigation. Our mission remains unwavering: to uncover the truth behind challenging and important cases,” Hayes said at the time.

‘Our programme is about shedding light on difficult and sometimes very dark stories. But it is always about revealing the truth and, more importantly, giving families and friends of victims the chance to find out what happened to someone they love.

While Hayes’ job at the network is secure, it turns out that several members of the program’s close-knit team have already lost their jobs at the network.

Nine declined to comment on the fate of the program.

Nine boss Mike Sneesby announced that hundreds of jobs would be cut at the network as part of a $30 million cost-cutting plan.

“Of our national team of almost 5,000 people, approximately 200 jobs at Nine are expected to be affected, including a number of vacant and temporary roles that will not be filled,” Nine’s CEO said.

Since then, Sneesby has repeatedly come under fire for his ‘dodgy’ generosity in the face of austerity, including his decision to fly to Paris to carry the Olympic torch before the Games.

He was also criticised for staying in a luxury five-star hotel and spa in the heart of the French capital, while the hard-working reporters covering the Olympics were relegated to cheap accommodation in the suburbs.

Members of Nine’s leadership team had also booked a stay at the glamorous, ivy-clad hotel and spa Le Pavilion de la Reine in the heart of the capital’s sought-after Le Marais district.

Priding itself on its “elegant atmosphere” and “discreet” world-class luxury, the hotel is steps from the city’s most popular attractions, including Notre Dame Cathedral, Le Centre Pompidou and the Louvre. It features fitness facilities, spa access and complimentary breakfast.

In contrast, working reporters and their crews were put up in hotels for less than a third of the price, far from their bosses’ downtown residences.

The difference in accommodation led to an embarrassing television broadcast outside Sneesby’s hotel.

“This is not really the time to have a chat,” the Nine leader said after being approached by a reporter from rival commercial network Seven.

“It’s quite simple, should you have carried the torch yesterday?” the reporter insisted as Mr Sneesby pressed him.

The reporter was not discouraged and asked more questions to Mr. Sneesby. He simply walked on, but kept his lips tightly sealed.

“Is it inappropriate for you to stay in a boutique hotel when you just laid off your staff today?” the reporter asked.

Mr. Sneesby tried to send the reporter away with a grimace on his face.

“I’m going to meet my family and…” he said.

“You’re the boss of a media company. Are you here for work or are you on vacation with your family?” the reporter interrupted.

Nine was also forced to defend its decision to fly The Block presenter Scott Cam to Paris at great expense to promote the upcoming season of the reality show, while the network itself was facing budget cuts.