Annette Sharp: Nine news boss Darren Wick announces his resignation

Following weeks of speculation, Nine’s director of news and current affairs Darren Wick has announced he is leaving in an email to staff, Annette Sharp writes.

Nine’s director of news and current affairs Darren Wick has resigned.

Following weeks of speculation within the media, the executive who had oversight of Nine’s TV division’s national news bulletins, current affairs programs 60 Minutes and A Current Affair, and breakfast show Today on Friday night informed staff he was leaving the business.

“Dear Colleagues, I would like to share some news about myself with you,” he wrote in a letter dispatched during the 6pm Friday night news bulletin.

“I am stepping down as the National Director of News and Current Affairs and leaving Nine.

“This is my 13th year in that position and my 29th year at the Network.

“It’s been a privilege to work alongside such talented, inspirational and supportive people.”

Nine’s Director of News and Current Affairs Darren Wick has resigned. Picture: Damian Shaw

He went on to thank staff: “For all the gifted reporters, producers, camera operators, link operators, editors, graphic designers, chiefs of staff, News Directors, Executive Producers and presenters in our editorial teams, there are hundreds more people around the country who support us through all the other parts of this business.

“I cannot thank everyone enough for making NINE a truly great place to work. And making it a lot of fun, as well.

Wick, pictured at the station headquarters in 2012, told staff he was ‘tired and need a rest’ in his farewell email. Picture: Alan Pryke

“Some of you are aware that I have taken a few weeks off to think about my future. And after many long beach walks and even longer conversations, I know in my heart that this is the right time for me to step down and leave NINE.

“I don’t want to use the word ‘retiring’ because I don’t know how to sit idle. But I am going to take a very long break from what has been four decades of working as a journalist. I’m tired and need a rest.

“There are so many great memories for me here at NINE and so many wonderful people who I would like to thank. And because that list is ridiculously long, I won’t do it in this email but I will get to everyone eventually.

“All of our news teams and programs are set up to have a hugely successful 2024. And I’m so excited to see what Wide World of Sports is going to do with NINE’s Paris Olympics and Paralympics coverage.

“Keep pushing the boundaries, keep reaching those goals that our critics say we’ll never achieve. And please enjoy every moment of it.

“I genuinely do LOVE YOUSE ALL.”

The news comes six months after Wick saw off a challenge to his leadership internally, with Nine insiders claiming Wick’s role was secretly under review.

Nine Radio boss Tom Malone held talks last year with Nine CEO Mike Sneesby about a broader role within Nine that might encompass the TV news division.

In 2022 Wick took extended leave after pleading guilty to one count of drink-driving after returning a blood alcohol reading of 0.2 having attempted to drive home from a work event.

He took extended leave after and entered a rehab facility.

Nine is yet to announce a replacement for Wick.

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