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Decision to exit was Calvert’s idea

If he was having a change of heart, Nine's news boss wasn't letting on via his Twitter account.

Often when a Press Release is sent out late on a Friday arvo, it raises suspicions about whether its author is hoping the news will be buried somewhere.

Yesterday at 4pm Nine announced its head of News and Current Affairs, Mark Calvert had resigned. He will be replaced by Sydney News Director Darren Wick.

But Calvert says it was his decision.

Today he tells the Daily Telegraph, “Talks had started to renew my contract for three years. I started asking: ‘Do I really want to do this to the exclusion of my wife and kids?’ The answer is no.”

If he was having a change of heart, it certainly wasn’t evident on his Twitter account.

On Monday, Calvert was enthusiastic about a new-look ACA, noting. “Cracking @ACurrentAffair9 on first day in @tracygrimshaw ‘s new studio. Chat with Bert on heart & @tomsteinfort call centre investigation.”

He hasn’t made any tweets since Monday.

The Tele also notes, ‘Senior Nine figures denied the decision was part of a pre-planned move by Nine to promote Mr Wick to Mr Calvert’s old role.’

Nine execs, including Wick, are reported to have tried to convince him to remain.

4 Responses

  1. Craig, Nine News has seen a resurgence thanks to Calvert and Wick, especially in Sydney. It’s only Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane (woo) who get Seven across the line.

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