Nine Entertainment has begun implementing its major streaming and broadcast restructure, with the first wave of redundancies impacting senior on-air and production staff across several markets, as part of the network’s broader cost-saving program.
Multiple sources have confirmed to Mediaweek that 9News Queensland sports reporter Jonathan Uptin will depart after his contract was not renewed. Uptin, a long-time fixture on Queensland television, has worked across several Nine markets throughout his broadcasting career.
In Adelaide, Channel 9 newsreader Kate Collins was axed just days after fronting the station’s annual Christmas Pageant coverage.
A source told Mediaweek that Collins was “blindsided” by the decision and has been left “heartbroken.” Her departure has triggered local backlash, with FIVEAA’s David Penberthy criticising the move live on air.
Kate Collins
“A crap way to treat a good person”
“I reckon the biggest story in Adelaide right now is the way poor old Kate Collins has been treated by Channel 9,” Penberthy said on Tuesday morning.
“I mean treated by Channel 9 nationally. It’s a classic example of the head office in Sydney treating us like you-know-what and as a result there’s one fewer South Aussie on our TV screens.”
Penberthy slammed the handling of the cut while acknowledging the commercial pressures facing television in 2025.
“The manner in which this was handled I think was appalling – apparently she only found out in the middle of the day yesterday,” he said. “I think this is P-I-double S weak – she’s lovely, she’s really smart, she’s good at her job.
“Part of this is the commercial squeeze on commercial TV everywhere. Good luck to her and she’ll land on her feet but a crap way to treat a good person.”
Amber Sherlock
More changes expected
Sources have also confirmed to Mediaweek that Amber Sherlock, Nine Sydney’s weather presenter and anchor, has exited the network after a sudden absence from Monday evening’s bulletin.
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.”
Mediaweek has contacted Nine for further comment.
Main image: Kate Collins, Jonathan Uptin, and Amber Sherlock