Nine weather presenter Amber Sherlock will depart the network.
Amber Sherlock, a seasoned presenter with nearly two decades at Nine Network, has attributed her departure to the company’s ongoing “streamlining” efforts. Her exit marks the end of an era for the network’s dedicated 6pm weather presenters. On Thursday, Sherlock bid farewell to her audience through social media, following her noticeable absence from the screen earlier in the week.
The announcement comes amidst a wave of redundancies affecting Nine’s broadcast and streaming divisions. “Nearly 20 years anywhere is a milestone, but to be in your lounge rooms every evening has been a privilege,” Sherlock expressed. Her career at Nine spanned from her initial role as a finance journalist to becoming the inaugural newsreader for Weekend Today, and included stints on the Morning News, Afternoon News, 6pm News, and Late News.
Posting a photo with colleagues Peter Overton and James Bracey, Sherlock reflected on her time with the 6pm Sydney news team. “Together, we’ve proudly won the ratings for the last 15 years, a testament to the Sydney news team,” she noted.
The Impact of Network Streamlining
The move represents a significant shift in Nine’s operational strategy, as 50 jobs are reportedly at risk. Media Week has reported that Adelaide newsreader Kate Collins and Queensland sports reporter Jonathan Uptin have already been affected. Meanwhile, Livinia Nixon, another long-standing Nine presenter, recently announced her departure, adding to the growing list of exits.
Sherlock acknowledged the changing landscape, stating, “For a nation obsessed with weather, I’ve loved bringing a little sunshine to every bulletin. Just like Melbourne turned a bit greyer with Livinia’s departure announced last week, Sydney’s feeling a little cloudier now too 🌧️.”
“It seems like it’s the end of an era for dedicated 6pm weather presenters as ‘streamlining’ seems to be the prevailing forecast.” — Amber Sherlock
A Legacy Built on Dedication
Despite being offered alternative roles, Sherlock decided it was time to step away. “Over the years, I’ve made lifelong friends, shared countless laughs, and celebrated many milestones,” she said. “While I was offered the possibility of a few other roles, it makes sense to step away now and look at something fresh.”
Sherlock’s career wasn’t without its memorable moments. Many Australians remember the 2017 “jacketgate” incident, where Sherlock was caught on camera asking colleague Julie Snook to wear a jacket, leading to a viral media moment.
Future Endeavors and Farewell
Looking ahead, Sherlock hinted at “exciting projects” on the horizon, supported by her family. Although she didn’t get a chance to formally say goodbye to viewers, her departure was unofficially announced by Sydney colleague Georgie Gardner, who expressed gratitude for Sherlock’s contributions to the network.
“Before we go tonight, we’d like to extend a farewell to our colleague Amber Sherlock. For a number of years, Amber has been a valued member of the news team, bringing us our daily weather reports on behalf of Nine News.” — Georgie Gardner
As Nine Network continues to adapt to the evolving media landscape, Sherlock’s departure underscores the challenges faced by traditional broadcasters in retaining talent amid strategic realignments. The industry will be watching closely to see how these changes impact the network’s future direction and its ability to maintain its position in the competitive media market.
