Warren Tredrea and Nine News in crisis talks over station’s new Covid-19 vaccination policy

Warren Tredrea and Channel 9 Adelaide are in crisis talks today to try to work out the sports presenter’s future after his no-show on the news desk over the station’s new vaccination policy.

Warren Tredrea and Channel 9 Adelaide are in talks today to try to resolve a dispute over the station’s new Covid-19 vaccination policy.

Tredrea, Nine’s weekday sports presenter, was noticeably absent from the news desk during the 5pm and 6pm bulletins on Wednesday night – the same day Nine introduced a double vaccination mandate for everyone on its sites nationally.

An inside source told The Advertiser that both parties are working towards an agreement, with Tredrea expected to start his Christmas holidays earlier than planned.

“It’s believed that Warren is still employed by Nine and there’s work happening behind the scenes to come to a solution,” the source said.

Tredrea and Nine have both declined to comment on the situation.

A former Port Adelaide premiership captain, Tredrea described himself as “pro-choice” on Covid vaccinations.

Speaking on FIVEaa’s Rowey’s Sports Show in September, Tredrea, 42, rejected any suggestion he was an anti-vaxxer.

“No I’m not, I’m fully vaccinated… but I’m not Covid vaccinated,” he said.

“Everyone is entitled to what they want to do because it’s your body.”

Supplied Editorial Fwd: Warren Tredrea

Warren Tredrea. Pic: Tricia Watkinson

When asked if a double vaccination mandate should be enforced on AFL players, Tredrea said: “It’s everyone’s individual situation and choice. So if a player doesn’t want to do it, that’s fine, that’s their decision. You shouldn’t be able to lose your employment.”

On the September 3 show, Tredrea described the vaccine as “discriminatory” with certain religious and age groups unable to get the jab.

Four days later on Rowey’s September 7 show, the 255-game Power champion reiterated his stance.

“People have the right to make their own call. That’s the same as anyone walking the streets of Adelaide, you’ve got your choice to make. It is a confidential right, absolutely,” he said.

Nine Adelaide news team – Brenton Ragless, Warren Tredrea and Kate Collins.

“I’m not an anti-vaxxer and I’m not a doctor, and I’m not trying to make out I am.

“That’s all I’ll say – make your own choice and do your own homework.”

A Nine spokesman said the “health and safety of our people and the continuity of operations” was behind their new vaccination policy.

“As such we are working to implement processes in our workplaces to ensure we have positive confirmation of vaccination status for everyone who comes onto our sites around the country from December 1 to ensure we are operating within the relevant health regulations,” the spokesman said.

Nine Adelaide’s sports presenter since 2013, Tredrea is also employed with FIVEaa, as a regular guest and expert commentator during the AFL season.

He’s already on holidays from FIVEaa and is not expected back at the station until the start of footy season.

Last month, the Adelaide Oval Stadium Management Authority introduced a double vaccination mandate for all patrons aged 12 and over entering the stadium.