Nine executive made redundant, follows CEO Mike Sneesby out the door

Nine’s long-serving communications boss is headed out the door. The move comes after the media company launched an independent review into ‘broader cultural issues’.

Victoria Buchan joined Nine in 2010. Picture: Supplied.

Long-time communications boss Victoria Buchan will leave media company Nine Entertainment after her role has been made redundant.

Acting Chief Executive Officer Matt Stanton announced the news in an email to staff today with Buchan to vacate the position of Director of Communications at the end of next month.

“While this year has been more challenging than most, I’ve enjoyed the ride since joining Nine back in 2010,” Buchan said in an email to staff.

“We’ve come a long way since those days. I’m looking forward to some family time over the summer and then getting stuck back into some projects or opportunities to work in the industry I love and know so well.

“As you know, my work has been a passion for me, and that’s not going to change. I will continue to watch, read and listen to all you do and be cheering from the sideline. I can’t wait to reboot and look for great projects and most importantly, great people to work with. It’s been a privilege.”

Victoria Buchan, third from left, joined PM Anthony Albanese and Channel 9’s new Head of News and Current Affairs, Fiona Dear; Director of Television Michael Healy; Sydney News Director Simon Hobbs and Melbourne News Director Hugh Nailon for the opening of a new Canberra studios recently, Picture: Supplied

Nine Entertainment is owner of a number of large media businesses including Channel 9, 2GB radio and the Sydney Morning Herald.

Buchan’s departure comes after Nine earlier this year commissioned an independent review into ‘broader cultural issues” after complaints against former TV news boss Darren Wick.

Former Nine new chief Darren Wick. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Damian Shaw

In September, then beleaguered chief executive Mike Sneesby announced his departure from the business over ongoing allegations of toxic culture within the media organisation.

Buchan’s redundancy comes as the broader industry too faces pressure to cut costs.

“Today Vic and I have agreed terms for her to leave the business as we go about restructuring the corporate roles to create a much-needed Regulatory specialist lead for the business,” Stanton wrote in his staff email.

“Since joining us nearly 15 years ago, Vic has made a significant contribution at all the key points of Nine’s evolution into Australia’s media company.”

He continued: “From working alongside David Gyngell as they restructured from private equity, side-by-side with Hugh Marks and the team through the successful merger with Fairfax and more recently with Mike (Sneesby), Vic has launched countless TV and radio shows, worked on landmark legal cases and some of Australia’s biggest events and provided communications support for the executive team, talent and programs however and whenever it was needed.”