Nine denies axe hovers over Canberra staff
Nine's bean counters proposed an idea to axe most of its Canberra staff and pool resources with Sky News.
- Published by David Knox
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- Filed under News
The Nine Network has denied speculation that it is considering a proposal to axe its Canberra news staff and pool resources with Sky News.
The Age reports today that accountants floated the idea with a plan to retain political veteran Laurie Oakes.
Whispers suggest Oakes was furious with the plan and threatened to quit if the move proceeded.
Sky is believed to be surprised by the proposal which would see it take responsibility for nuts and bolts staffing. As of today rumours still persist that the idea remains under consideration but a Nine spokesperson told TV Tonight there would be no change.
“The possibility of Nine maybe relying on the good people at Sky News in Canberra – to support Laurie Oakes of course in his continuing role – was but a discussion point some time ago as one of many cost-cutting options for consideration during that costs project.
“It, like many others, didn’t go any further than that. Indeed there are always many more options than those cost-cutting measures which are adopted.”
Nine’s national Director of News, Mark Calvert, declined to comment when contacted by The Age last night.
PBL Media holds a 33 per cent stake in Sky News.
6 Responses
What a bizarre idea – though I guess if you’re serious about following politics on TV then you already watch Sky News.
How can they even consider this when their relaunch has been successful-ish. They are making inroads in Sydney and Brisbane. If they do this it probably will be the straw that breaks the camels back.
For any of the 5 networks to axe their Canberra bureaus would be a tragedy.
C9 news coverage – to be replaced by 2.5 men repeats. Late night bulletins to be replaced by “adults only” 2.5 men.
Cheapening its content is exactly why people have switched away. You have to spend money to make money.
I hope, for the sake of having a good range of political journalism and commentary on TV, that this proves to be false…