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Georgie Gardner quits Today

"I actually need to get back to my own family now," says Georgie Gardner, after 7 years with Today.

Copy of Georgie GardnerGeorgie Gardner is leaving the Today show after seven years, to spend more time with family, but will remain with the Nine network.

She announced the news to viewers on air this morning.

“I wanted to announce to you today that I’m going to be finishing up at Today. I make this decision with a very heavy heart because you are my family. But I feel that I actually need to get back to my own family now. I’m not leaving the Nine Network, I’ll still be around. It’s been amazing,” she said.

Later she added, “It has not been an easy decision to leave a show that is an Australian television institution,”

Today is a program that has afforded me enormous opportunities and experiences and enabled me to forge lifelong friendships. It’s been a career highlight and a great privilege.”

“The early hours are punishing and after seven years it’s time for me to catch up on some sleep. After unwavering support from Tim and my kids I want to give back to them. I figure I have limited time of Bronte and Angus wanting and needing their mother around, so I want to maximise and cherish these precious years.

“I’m extremely excited about the array of career opportunities at Nine that lie ahead.”

Staying at Nine her roles will include duties with Nine’s Sydney news, covering for Sonia Kruger on Mornings, and contributing to 60 Minutes.

“Georgie is a much valued member of the Nine News team and we welcome the opportunity to have her professional presence in a range of new roles across the network, including reporting on 60 Minutes,” Nine’s Director of News and Current Affairs, Darren Wick said.

Nine David Gyngell, added “We love Georgie at the Nine Network and I’m personally very pleased we have her with us as an outstanding member of the News team.”

Gardner is the second of the current team to signal her departure with Ben Fordham set to depart at the end of the year.

Her final show will be Friday June 6th.

10 Responses

  1. Deb Knight would be a frontrunner, although maybe they’ll use Fordham’s departure to go with a male news/female sports team? Yvonne Sampson has been doing great work on daytime news/NRL coverage

  2. Interesting point made about succession planning and I agree – it’s important to give the audience time to get to know a successor through regular appearances. Seven’s used Weekend Sunrise and The Morning Show very effectively to give Andrew, Monique, Larry and Kylie a regular platform. You could see any one of those jumping into Sunrise (or Nat as well) if the current co-hosts fell under the proverbial bus!

    Looking at Today, the choice isn’t so obvious

  3. Thats a shame – I really like Georgie.

    Today really need to start doing some succession planning. Karl and Lisa aren’t going to be around forever. Sunrise had a very clear strategy when they ‘updated’ the female co-host position last year and no doubt have their list ready when they decide to do the same to the male co-host position.

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