Amber Sherlock has spoken publicly for the first time since being sacked by Nine, confirming her departure in an emotional statement after almost two decades with the network.
The longtime Sydney weather presenter addressed viewers directly, becoming the latest high-profile on-air name to be cut as Nine reshapes its broadcast and streaming division.
Sherlock, who had been part of the 6pm bulletin alongside Peter Overton and James Bracey, used Instagram to acknowledge her dismissal and reflect on a career built across nearly every newsroom timeslot.
Her message arrives as Nine moves to streamline operations – including winding back dedicated evening weather presenters – under its new operating model.
‘A milestone’
In her post, Sherlock said it had been a “privilege” to appear in viewers’ homes each night.
“From my early days as a finance journalist, to reading the Qantas news and becoming the inaugural newsreader for Weekend Today, I’ve been fortunate to present across almost every bulletin,” she wrote.
She highlighted the team’s longstanding dominance in Sydney.
“Most recently, I’ve been part of the 6pm Sydney news team alongside Peter Overton and James Bracey. Together, we’ve proudly won the ratings for the last 15 years.”
Sherlock also revealed Nine offered her “other roles” following her removal from air, but she chose to walk away.
“While I was offered the possibility of a few other roles, it makes sense to step away now and look at something fresh.”
‘The end of an era’
Sherlock acknowledged the shift in how networks are handling weather coverage, referencing Livinia Nixon’s recent departure from Nine Melbourne.
“Just like Melbourne turned a bit greyer with Livinia’s departure announced last week, Sydney’s feeling a little cloudier now too. It seems like it’s the end of an era for dedicated 6pm weather presenters as ‘streamlining’ seems to be the prevailing forecast.”
She also farewelled the speed and responsibility of live news, noting her final bulletin was on Late News with a “small but important team sharing stories from around the country”.
New chapter ahead
While she didn’t detail next steps, Sherlock hinted at new ventures. “I already have some exciting projects on the go, which I’ll share with you soon,” she wrote.
“But for now, here’s to afternoons with my family, weekend BBQs with my friends and embracing a new chapter. I’m excited for what the future brings.”
Mass changes
Nine’s restructure, announced earlier this year, is aimed at consolidating operations between its linear broadcast and streaming divisions to drive efficiency and strengthen digital delivery.
50 roles expected to go across the Streaming and Broadcast division.
The developments follow an internal email to staff this morning, sighted by Mediaweek, in which Amanda Laing, managing director of Streaming and Broadcast, confirmed that Nine has been reviewing the division’s operating model to “reduce duplication, drive greater collaboration and deliver commercial growth for the Nine Group.”
“While only some teams and individuals are impacted by this, I ask you to be cognisant and mindful of your colleagues as we navigate this change,” Laing wrote.
She said Nine’s employee wellbeing partner Sonder remains available to support affected staff and confirmed the company would finalise the process “as quickly as possible, whilst respecting the appropriate consultation process.”
A staff member told Mediaweek the timing had added to uncertainty: “It couldn’t have come at a worse time given we’re so close to Christmas. Everyone is freaking out.”
Nine’s response
In a statement to Mediaweek, a Nine spokesperson said the restructure is designed to streamline the Streaming and Broadcast division by aligning Stan, Channel 9 and 9Now more closely.
“The new operating model 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,” the spokesperson said.
“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.”