QTQ’s long-time news director Amanda Paterson has officially left her role at Channel Nine, marking another high-profile departure at the network.
A source confirmed Paterson’s departure to Daily Mail Australia, revealing the leadership void will be filled temporarily while Nine searches for a permanent replacement.
Kate Donnison will take over on a short-term basis until QTQ EP Brendan Hockings returns from his annual leave.
Hockings will then assume the role until a permanent hiring decision is made.
Paterson, who was appointed Director of Queensland News in 2016, leaves an impressive legacy in Australian journalism.
Starting her career as a 19-year-old reporter, Paterson quickly rose through the ranks and became a renowned investigative journalist with three Walkley Award nominations and multiple Queensland Media Awards.
His fearless approach to reporting led to hard-hitting revelations, including investigations into medical malpractice, sports misconduct and even a murder confession caught on camera, leading to a successful resolution of a cold case.
During his tenure, Paterson was instrumental in revitalizing the Queensland bureau, guiding a new generation of journalists and gaining the trust of viewers.
Veteran QTQ news director Amanda Paterson (pictured) has officially left her role at Channel Nine, marking another high-profile departure at the network.
A source confirmed Paterson’s departure to Daily Mail Australia, revealing the leadership void will be filled temporarily while Nine searches for a permanent replacement.
He also led his 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 prepare 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’s chief news officer in 2016, leaves an impressive legacy in Australian journalism.
Paterson’s departure comes amid a turbulent period for Channel Nine, following the recent publication of an independent report which exposed widespread problems within the network, including ‘a systemic problem with abuse of power and authority; intimidation, discrimination and harassment; and sexual harassment.’
The report’s findings have intensified scrutiny over Nine’s internal culture and management practices, leaving employees feeling “betrayed” and disillusioned.
Nine Entertainment’s TV news and current affairs director Fiona Dear sent an out-of-hours email to staff addressing a scathing report about Nine’s culture.
Responding to the report, Fiona Dear, Nine’s head of TV news and current affairs, sent an out-of-hours email to staff, acknowledging the pain and challenges the team is facing.
“I wanted to express how proud I am of the professionalism you all showed in telling this incredibly painful story last week and how you have handled yourself since the report was published,” Dear wrote in the email sent at 8:29 p.m., few days after the damning report appeared.
Staff members have expressed frustration over the network’s handling of these revelations, with some condemning management’s “terrible leadership skills” in the wake of the report.
Similarities in timing between Dear’s late-night email and former news chief Darren Wick’s resignation note earlier this year have not gone unnoticed by employees, leading to further discontent.
