Veteran journalist Liz Hayes joins rival network after Nine departure

TV stalwart Liz Hayes has jumped ship to a rival network just two months after leaving Channel 9 amid reports of a “standoff” with an executive.

Australian journalist Liz Hayes has defected to Channel 7 just two months after announcing her departure from Nine.

The veteran 60 Minutes reporter, who left the Nine Network in February after an incredible 44-year stint, will present her debut story for current affairs program 7NEWS Spotlight in coming weeks, a sit-down exclusive with Jock Zonfrillo’s widow, Lauren, who will speak for the first time since the death of the MasterChef judge in May 2023.

Seven said in a statement Hayes, 68, was joining the program as a “guest correspondent”.

“Widely respected for her decades of experience, storytelling expertise and journalistic integrity, we look forward to collaborating with Liz on this special project,” executive producer Gemma Williams said.

Veteran journalist Liz Hayes has joined Seven in a guest capacity after her Nine departure.

Hayes will interview Jock Zonfrillo’s widow Lauren on 7News Spotlight. Picture: @zonfrillo

Hayes began her journalism career with Nine in 1981, swiftly becoming a household name as co-host of Today before later moving to 60 Minutes in 1996.

She said in her departure statement in February “much had changed” over the decades, a possible swipe amid reports of Hayes’ disagreement with a network executive over declining standards.

“When I arrived at Nine I had little more than a notebook and a typewriter, but like my new and far more experienced colleagues, I carried with me an enormous passion for telling stories,” Hayes said at the time.

“I was blessed. I had found my tribe. Even Nine’s owner at the time, Kerry Packer, seemed to carry the same passionate story telling gene.

“Of course since then much has changed. The media world has evolved as have I. What hasn’t changed is the need for good stories to be told, and I will continue to tell them.

“I leave Nine grateful for the decades of experience, the wonderful friendships that have endured and deeply appreciative to the many people who trusted me to tell their stories.”

The broadcaster was best known for fronting Nine’s current affairs program, 60 Minutes, which she joined in the ‘90s.

Hayes has been a reporter for more than four decades. Picture: Supplied.

Hayes’ program Under Investigation with Liz Hayes was shelved in mid-2024 after three years on-air, casting doubt over her future with the network.

Insiders told news.com.au in February Hayes had been embroiled in a long-running “standoff” with the executive producer of 60 Minutes, Kirsty Thomson, over Hayes’ “years old” frustration with production standards on the show.

At the time of her exit, Nine said Hayes would remain part of the network, adding “viewers can expect to see her on their screens for special stories and events broadcast on the 9Network.”

Hayes was among Nine’s top tier talent, pictured with Karl Stefanovic, Charles Wooley, Sarah Abo, Allison Langdon and Tara Brown. Picture: AAP Image/Bianca De Marchi

Nine director of television, Michael Healy, continued in a statement, “Liz Hayes is an Australian television legend and has dedicated most of her career to Nine, she will leave an undeniable legacy.

“Her many accomplishments speak volumes about the type of journalist she is – tenacious, a truth seeker, and above all, a storyteller. I’d like to recognise Liz for the impact she has had on Australian journalism and thank her for all she has done for Nine over the past 44 years.

“We know Liz’s next chapter will be just as successful as her last, and she has our full support.”

Originally published as Veteran journalist Liz Hayes joins rival network after Nine departure