Report: Amanda Paterson pursues legal action following Nine departure

Former Nine News Queensland director Amanda Paterson engaged high-profile employment and media lawyer John Laxon on Friday, The Australian reports.

Paterson departed suddenly on Thursday after working at Nine for 31 years.

A Nine spokesperson last week told TV Tonight, “Nine can confirm a leadership change was announced today within the Queensland TV News & Current Affairs department. An internal and external recruitment process will now commence.”

A staff email from News & Current Affairs boss Fiona Dear said, “I wanted to let you know that QTQ News Director Amanda Paterson has finished up with Nine today.

“While we formalise and internal and external recruitment process to replace the role, Kate Donnison has agreed to step in on a short-term basis until QTQ EP Brendan Hockings returns from the US and his annual leave.

“Brendan will then act in the role until we finalise the recruitment process to ensure stability in leadership during this time.”

Patterson became Queensland News Director in 2016.