Longstanding QTQ News Director Amanda Paterson has officially left her role at Channel Nine, marking another high-profile exit at the network.
A source confirmed Paterson’s departure to Daily Mail Australia, revealing that the leadership void will be temporarily filled as Nine seeks a permanent replacement.
Kate Donnison will assume the role on a short-term basis until QTQ EP Brendan Hockings returns from his annual leave and trip to the United States.
Hockings will then step into the position until a permanent recruitment decision is made.
Paterson, who was appointed Queensland News Director in 2016, leaves behind an impressive legacy in Australian journalism.
Beginning her career as a 19-year-old reporter, Paterson swiftly rose through the ranks, becoming a renowned investigative journalist with three Walkley Award nominations and multiple Queensland Media Awards.
Her fearless approach to reporting led to hard-hitting exposes, including investigations into medical negligence, sports misconduct, and even a murder confession captured on camera, which led to a successful cold case resolution.
During her tenure, Paterson was instrumental in revitalising the Queensland bureau, guiding a new generation of journalists and earning the trust of viewers.
Longstanding QTQ News Director Amanda Paterson (pictured) has officially left her role at Channel Nine, marking another high-profile exit at the network
A source confirmed Paterson’s departure to Daily Mail Australia, revealing that the leadership void will be temporarily filled as Nine seeks a permanent replacement
She also led her team to consistent ratings success in one of Australia’s most competitive media markets, according to TVBlackbox.
Channel Nine’s leadership now faces the challenge of filling the void left by such an esteemed figure.
As staff brace for further changes, Paterson’s departure marks a significant loss for the network, especially during this critical period of reflection and restructuring.
Paterson, who was appointed Queensland News Director in 2016, leaves behind an impressive legacy in Australian journalism
Paterson’s exit comes amid a turbulent period for Channel Nine, following the recent release of an independent report that exposed widespread issues within the network, including ‘a systemic issue with abuse of power and authority; bullying, discrimination and harassment; and sexual harassment.’
The report’s findings have intensified scrutiny on Nine’s internal culture and management practices, leaving employees reportedly feeling ‘betrayed’ and disillusioned.
Nine Entertainment television news and current affairs head Fiona Dear has sent an after-hours email to staff addressing a scathing report into Nine’s culture
In response to the report, Fiona Dear, head of Nine’s television news and current affairs, sent an after-hours email to staff, acknowledging the pain and challenges faced by the team.
‘I wanted to say how proud I have been at the professionalism you’ve all displayed in the telling of this incredibly painful story last week and how you’ve handled yourselves since the release of the report,’ Dear wrote in the email sent at 8:29 pm, just days after the damning report surfaced.
Staff insiders have expressed frustration over the network’s handling of these revelations, with some condemning the management’s ‘terrible leadership skills’ in the wake of the report.
The similarities in timing between Dear’s late-night email and former news boss Darren Wick’s resignation note earlier this year have not gone unnoticed by employees, stirring further discontent.
