Nine News Melbourne appoints Deputy News Director

Nine News Melbourne has appointed Nathan Tanti to a new role of Deputy News Director, as Hugh Nailon undertakes more national and international duties from next week.

In a note to staff, Nailon said, “2024 has been a year of profound change in the GTV Newsroom. New presenting line-up, new graphics, new editing system, and new ways of doing many things. Huge thanks to all of you for embracing this, at times it hasn’t been easy, and I really appreciate you stepping up and making things work.

“Throughout it all, our ratings have been superb. We have won nearly every week, grown the linear audience by more than 10% and maintained momentum right up until the end of the year. Last week’s Craft Awards was a fitting finale for the official ratings year.

“As many of you would be aware, Fiona Dear has asked me to step up and help out with key elements of the broader News Network. This includes supporting the other State News Directors, running the daily 9:45 Editorial meeting and also oversight of our Foreign Bureaux in London and LA.

“In light of these additional duties we have decided to restructure the GTV News Leadership team. I will remain as GTV News Director, with ultimate responsibility for the running of the newsroom, employment contracts, people and culture matters, and engagement with the rest of Nine and external stakeholders.”

Hugh Nailon

Nathan Tanti takes on a new role of Deputy News Director, in charge of the day to day editorial and production operation of the GTV newsroom. He will continue to oversee key news transformation projects, and will take on the rostering of the production desk team.

“Nathan has proved his leadership credentials over the last few years, from running Regional News to spearheading significant technical change here at GTV and across the network. This is a big step up, but one he’s ready for, please get in behind him,” Nailon advised.

Brendan Stafford will continue as Executive Producer, responsible for the final product that goes to air in our flagship 6pm bulletin, as well as providing editorial support for all news content from daytime bulletins, as well as social and digital output.

“Brendo is undoubtedly one of the best TV news writers in the country, and his editorial judgement is matchless. He will continue to have oversight of our critical radio promos, and alongside Nath will have a huge impact on the tone and quality of our news bulletins.”

Tom Kelly remains Chief of Staff supported by Brianna Travers and Chester Ngan.

Reporter Ollie Haig, originally from Melbourne, also joins from the NWS Newsroom in Adelaide in January.