Simon Hobbs departs Nine News

The exodus continues from Nine with Nine News Sydney director Simon Hobbs departing after 14 years in the role.

Deputy News Director Margie McLew will step into the role temporarily.

He has three decades with Nine, including 13 years as a senior producer on A Current Affair, chief of staff on Today and supervising producer on Nine News.

Nine is now looking to replace three state news directors.

“Nine can confirm further leadership changes were communicated to its TV News division today,” a Nine spokesperson said.

“An internal and external recruitment process is now underway for News Directors in Sydney, Brisbane and Perth.”

Amanda Paterson departed Nine News Queensland last week.

Nine News Perth news director Gareth Parker was appointed to the newly created role of Network News Content Director in September with Michael Genovese as interim Director of News in Perth.

Melbourne News boss Hugh Nailon will reportedly be taking on expanded responsibilities.

Another senior executive, speaking anonymously, said no further senior departures from the news division were expected.

Source: smh.com.au