Rumours had been circulating for weeks, but now the news is official.
For weeks now there have rumours suggesting Nine’s big boss of news Darren Wick would not be returning to his role after taking some time off.
Nine had been denying those rumours right up until the announcement this afternoon.
I have worked directly for Wickie and admire him and his achievements. He helped shape the Nine newsroom in Sydney into a winner – many forget that in 2008 Sydney’s news was a basket case well behind its competitor.
Today Nine is #1 in Sydney and has had success in the metro markets on the East Coast.
Below is the e-mail Wick sent out to staff:
Dear Colleagues,
I would like to share some news about myself with you.
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.
Our award-winning newsrooms around the country and our iconic programs – ACA, 60 MINUTES, TODAY, TODAY EXTRA, WEEKEND TODAY – the drive and ability that you have to rally together and cover any major story better than anyone else is always humbling to watch.
And you do it time after time.
NINE is so much more than a company. It’s a family. And it’s a terrific one.
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.
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.
Wickie.
And here is the email Nine’s programming boss – Michael Healey – sent out:
Dear all,
Today Darren Wick has announced after 29 years at Nine he will depart his role as Director of News and Current Affairs.
Wickie has had an enormous impact over that time, as producer, EP of Today Show, EP at ACA and then to head up a news division at a time of great transformation.
As always in News there are tremendous ups and downs, wins and challenges and Wickie has seen more than most.
For now I’ll continue to work closely with the news caff teams, and I look forward to continuing to build on the momentum of outstanding performance across the board as announced today in our first quarter media release.
I personally want to thank Wickie for his commitment to the Nine News brand and wish him well.
There will be further announcements from the business about Wickie’s replacement and process going forward.
Best, Michael
While rumours have been running wild, there will be some in the newsroom genuinely sorry to see Wick leave. His passion for the industry is legendary and he leaves big shoes to fill.
