Nine exec assures staff 60 Minutes won’t be axed

Nine exec forced to reassure staff that the broadcaster’s iconic and longstanding current affairs program is safe.

Nine's 60 Minutes won’t be axed, a key news executive at Nine has reassured staff.

Key news executive at the Peter Costello-chaired Nine Entertainment Group has moved to reassure staff that the broadcaster’s iconic and longstanding 60 Minutes current affairs program is not set to be axed.

Following weekend reports that the future of the historically must-watch program was in question, Nine’s head of news and current affairs Darren Wick told colleagues the future of 60 Minutes was assured.

“There has never been a discussion between executives at Nine about axing 60 Minutes,” Mr Wick said in a note sent on Sunday morning.

“That position has never been considered by myself, the CEO nor anyone else who matters. NEVER. EVER.

“60 Minutes is one of the most important programmes on Nine’s schedule and one of Australian television’s most enduring and trusted public affairs brands.”

Amid shrinking revenue that is driving cost cuts to support the bottom line across the industry, the James Warburton-led Seven West Media on Friday announced that it was axing its weekday afternoon news show, The Daily Edition.

This followed the Kerry Stokes-controlled network’s decision last October to cut Sunday Night, hosted by Melissa Doyle. Sunday Night was a direct competitor to Nine’s 60 Minutes.

“It’s been part of our Sunday night ritual for four decades,” Mr Wick’s note to staff on the future of 60 Minutes went on.

“It’s going to be on Nine a further four decades from now.

“We’re here to stay.”