Veteran and iconic journalist Georgie Gardner is leaving Nine after 25 years, with Friday being her last evening news bulletin.
The Today show’s Karl Stefanovic and Sarah Abo farewelled her on behalf of the network this morning with touching words and a video montage of her extensive body of work.
Gardner has been a co-host of Today with Stefanovic, and has delivered Australians breaking news on some of the biggest stories in recent years.
Nine says the journalist has covered everything: “From the Lindt cafe siege, Victoria’s Black Friday bushfire tragedy, to the birth of Prince George, the respective Royal marriages of both Prince William and Harry, as well as the death of Queen Elizabeth II, the COVID-19 pandemic and the Bondi Junction stabbing attack and Bondi Beach terror attack.”
Georgie Gardner leaves Nine after 25 years
Speaking on Today this morning, Gardner said, “I’ve had so many incredible opportunities, I’ve met so many great people and I’ve worked with the best in the industry – what more could I want?
“But I got to a stage where as much as I love the craft of newsreading, I really love it, I don’t need to tell you the news is getting increasingly bleak and I think there is possible an element of vicarious sadness, trauma from continually reading pretty heavy stuff.”
She revealed that she still has the “energy” and “passion” for more things in life.
“There is so much I want to explore and contribute and learn, so it just feels like the right time to move into a different area,” she said.
“I’m excited at what’s to come, I’m exhilarated and part of that is because I don’t know what it is, there’s lots of things playing around in my mind… I’d really like to give back in some way, contribute… but I don’t have anything precise in mind.”
Gardner also recognised the opportunities she’s had at Nine.
“I actually think in my time with Nine I have worked on every show at some point, except for A Current Affair,” she laughed.
“I’m like the annoying cousin who turns up to every family event, I have been on every show – but it’s been such a gift and I feel really, really thankful.”
Top image: Georgie Gardner says farewell on Today. Image: YouTube