Nine Entertainment has informed its staff of impending job cuts as the company embarks on a strategic overhaul of its Streaming and Broadcast division. The move, which aims to streamline operations and enhance commercial growth, was communicated in an email from Amanda Laing, Managing Director of Streaming & Broadcast, to employees earlier today.
The announcement revealed that approximately 50 roles are expected to be impacted. Laing noted that the leadership team has spent several months reviewing the division’s operating model to “reduce duplication, drive greater collaboration, and deliver commercial growth for the Nine Group.”
Focus on Key Divisions
The review has concentrated specifically on News, Sport, Stan, Marketing, and Creative functions. Consultations with affected individuals began today, marking the start of a process that aims to be both swift and respectful of the necessary protocols. Laing urged staff to be “cognisant and mindful” of colleagues during this transitional period.
To support employees, Nine has made its wellbeing platform, Sonder, available and is committed to exploring redeployment opportunities within the broader Nine Group.
Timing and Employee Concerns
The timing of the announcement, so close to Christmas, has added to the anxiety among staff. A source within the company expressed concern, stating,
“The news could not have come at a worse time given we are so close to Christmas. Everyone is freaking out.”
In a statement to Mediaweek, a Nine spokesperson explained that the new operating model aims to consolidate teams across Stan, Channel 9, and 9Now. This consolidation is designed to mitigate the challenges posed by the current external advertising market.
Historical Context and Financial Goals
This development follows last year’s decision by Nine to cut 85 roles in its publishing division, which resulted in $33 million in savings. The company has set a target to achieve an additional $90 million in cost efficiencies by the end of FY27.
During Nine’s recent Annual General Meeting (AGM), CEO Matt Stanton addressed the shareholders, highlighting the challenges posed by artificial intelligence and the impact of global tech giants on the media industry. Stanton emphasized the need for intervention to protect jobs and the viability of newsrooms, stating,
“We’re paying for journalism, but the revenue is flowing elsewhere. There needs to be an intervention. These are global players doing this, and we feel very strongly about it.”
Balancing Efficiency and Editorial Integrity
Stanton reassured stakeholders of Nine’s “strong financial position” but acknowledged the necessity of balancing cost-cutting measures with maintaining editorial strength.
“As we go through this process, we need to achieve the right level of efficiency while maintaining the strong content creation we’re known for,”
he said.
The restructuring efforts are part of an ongoing initiative to unify Nine’s broadcast and streaming businesses under a single leadership framework. Laing informed staff that further updates would be provided by divisional leaders in the coming days, with a group meeting scheduled for next week to discuss the next steps.
