Nine Entertainment Co.’s newly appointed chair, Peter Tonagh, has shared an unlikely but poignant encounter – a private audience with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican.
Tonagh, who stepped into the role following Catherine West’s recent departure, recounted the experience on LinkedIn, describing the Pope’s remarks on journalism as “a reminder of the critical importance of professional journalism to a well-functioning, cohesive society.”
Nine chair Peter Tonagh at the Vatican.
‘A crucial role in forming consciences’
“This week I had the honour of visiting the Vatican to be part of a private audience with Pope Leo XIV,” Tonagh wrote. “He spoke passionately about the critical role of journalism in today’s society.”
The Pope’s comments, Tonagh said, underscored both the power and the responsibility of the media:
“It is clear that the media has a crucial role in forming consciences and helping critical thinking.”
“One form of active citizenship is to value and support professionals and agencies that demonstrate seriousness and true freedom in their work.”
“Communication must be freed from the misguided thinking that corrupts it, from unfair competition and from the degrading practice of so-called clickbait.”
News organisations “can act as a barrier against those who, through the ancient art of lying, seek to create divisions in order to rule by dividing.”
For Tonagh, these were more than ceremonial sentiments – they carried a clear relevance to modern Australian media, where questions of trust, influence, and accountability continue to shape public debate.
“All valuable lessons for news organisations everywhere,” he added.
‘Don’t just post’
In the comments beneath Tonagh’s post, former News Corp Australia executive and current managing director of Playbook Advice, Michael Wilkins, offered a pointed reminder of what’s at stake: “Let’s hope you can generate some action from that wise counsel. Journalism has never been more important – or more at risk – than it is today. Media is driving division for profit, not bringing us together. Don’t just post, PT. Make a difference.”
Meanwhile, former ABC journalist and Derwent partner Emma Alberici also weighed in, calling Tonagh’s experience “a wonderful one” but noting the deeper structural challenge facing the industry.
“Those are powerful messages but unfortunately the funding model for quality, fearlessly independent journalism is broken,” she wrote. “That’s where I think the conversation needs to turn – and desperately – because AI is only going to be as good as the information it derives its answers from.”
Tonagh replied, acknowledging the point: “That’s definitely the challenge and one that I am very passionate about pursuing.”
Nine chair Peter Tonagh uploaded this image following his visit with Pope Leo at the Vatican.
A new era
Tonagh’s Vatican visit comes shortly after he succeeded West as Nine’s chair, marking the latest leadership shift at one of Australia’s most influential media companies.
West, who had served since 2022, announced her departure earlier this month, with the board appointing Tonagh – a former Foxtel CEO and News Corp Australia executive – to lead the next phase of governance at Nine.
At the time of his appointment, Tonagh said he was “honoured to take on the role at such a pivotal time for Nine,” adding that the company’s success depends on its “commitment to independence, integrity, and innovation.”
A timely message for modern media
The Pope’s warning against “clickbait” and “unfair competition” feels tailor-made for today’s attention economy – a landscape where every headline competes for a fraction of focus and trust is often the casualty.
For Tonagh, and for Nine under his leadership, the takeaway is unmistakable: navigating the future of media won’t just demand sharp strategy… it’ll demand conscience.
Main image: Peter Tonagh