The first redundancies under Nine Entertainment’s Streaming and Broadcast restructure have been revealed, with senior on-air and production staff among those affected as part of the network’s cost-saving program.
Several sources have confirmed to Mediaweek that 9News Queensland sports reporter Jonathan Uptin will be leaving, after his contract was not renewed.
Uptin, a familiar face to Queensland viewers, has worked across several markets during his long broadcasting career.
His is not the only name the have emerged since the cuts were announced.
According to The Courier-Mail, supervising producer of presentation and promotion Leon Cull was informed of his redundancy over the weekend, while operations co-ordinator Jessica Llewelyn has also been impacted.
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.”
Main image: Jonathan Uptin