Job cuts hit staff as Nine, Fairfax merger takes place

Nine’s CEO has confirmed the number of job cuts taking place under the merger between Nine Entertainment and Fairfax Media.

Nine’s CEO has confirmed the number of job cuts taking place under the merger between Nine Entertainment and Fairfax Media.

Nine chief executive Hugh Marks, who will lead the combined company after December 10, has told staff that 92 people will be affected by the reduced number of roles.

Most of the redundancies will be in Sydney and Melbourne. A total of 144 roles are being made redundant.

Mr Marks said some staff could be redeployed but that others would leave the media giant, with most decisions to be made by the end of this week.

He added that some vacant positions will no longer be filled.

“We have spoken to or will speak to those affected as soon as possible so that all employees have clarity and certainty before we commence operations as a combined business,” Mr Marks said in a letter to all Nine and Fairfax staff.

“Thank you to everyone for your patience as we have worked through the process. We can now move forward with confidence as a stronger and more sustainable business with many new and exciting opportunities ahead. This is truly an amazing opportunity for our combined future.”

Nine CEO Hugh Marks leaving the Fairfax Merger Meeting and AGM in Pyrmont, Sydney, in November this year. Picture: Hollie Adams

Mr Marks said, however, that no decisions had been made on how best to combine other support operations including IT, HR and payroll.

“The focus has been on critical day one needs and we are yet to decide the best path forward for duplicate systems,” Mr Marks said.

“We will stay in touch with the relevant teams as we work through those decisions.”

The Federal Court approved the merger last week.

“Where appropriate our aim is to immediately redeploy affected employees or if this is not possible they will have immediate access to outplacement services and support through the Nine and Fairfax Employee Assistance Programs,” Mr Marks said.

“By the end of the coming week, we will have completed most of the work needed in relation to ‘synergies’, including redundancies.”

Mr Marks also outlined the leadership team of the combined business, with Fairfax metro publishing head Chris Janz staying in charge of masthead newspapers such as The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, and The Australian Financial Review.

Allen Williams will continue to lead the community media business, with NZ boss Sinead Boucher reporting to Mr Williams.

Nine director of television Michael Healy will continue in the role, Stan boss Mike Sneesby will stay in place, Domain and Macquarie Media will go unchanged, and Greg Barnes will be chief financial officer.