Yet another Nine executive quits

The fallout from Network Nine’s bombshell report continues as yet another high-levelled executive has decided to quit.

Nine has lost yet another executive.

The network’s Sydney news director, Simon Hobbs, is leaving the network after 12 years with the business.

Staff at the network were notified of the departure on Wednesday afternoon during a meeting.

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

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

Sydney Deputy News Director Margie McLew will take on the role’s responsibilities until a permanent replacement for Hobbs is found.

Nine's Sydney News Director has quit the network. Picture: Channel 9.

Former Nine News Chief Darren Wicks quit earlier this year. Picture: Channel 9.

“Simon will be supporting Margie from home to ensure a seamless transition and handover in leadership, before finishing with the business on Friday 15 November,” an internal note to staff from Wick’s replacement, Fiona Dear, read.

“As we are recruiting for three News Director roles, I have asked Hugh Nailon to take on some expanded responsibilities in addition to his GTV News Director role while we finalise the recruitment process. This includes overseeing and supporting the State News Directors and the Network Desk.”

The news comes after a bombshell report regarding the presence of a “toxic culture” at the network.

The independent report, which was handed down last Thursday, exposed systemic issues with abuse of power, bullying, discrimination and sexual harassment.

The report, which was built from 122 interviews with current and former employees, determined “known perpetrators” weren’t adequately dealt with by senior management.

Discussing the report, Ray Hadley addressed “the elephant in the room” last month, revealing “a groper” was once on the loose at Channel 9.

Ray Hadley announcing his retirement on air earlier this month. Picture: Rohan Kelly.

Demanding that “cover-ups must end” in the wake of the damning report, the veteran broadcaster canvassed shock allegations on his top-rating program that an executive was accused of touching a female employee “on the bum”.

He alleged that there used to be “a groper” working at Channel 9.

“That may well have happened previously,” Hadley told 2GB listeners on Friday. “There was a groper working here at one stage. The groper is gone.”

Hadley added that “most of this stuff I should mention is in relation to Nine TV”.

He then drew attention to concerns over a female alleged to be bullying staff.

“Now this one is troubling,” Hadley said. “She was there to make sure I didn’t say anything that I didn’t complain. So it appears that some people at Channel 9 TV were part of the boys club, even though they weren’t boys.

“Some of them are no longer in the business, but unfortunately, some are still in the business. There can’t be a cover-up simply because someone is a powerful person, be they a presenter or a manager, there can’t be a cover up anymore. It’s got to end.”

Originally published as Yet another Nine executive quits