Georgie Gardner Departs Nine Network After 24 Years
"I have mixed emotions, but I feel really exhilarated about the future."
Veteran newsreader Georgie Gardner has announced her departure from the Nine Network after nearly 24 years. Her final bulletin as anchor of Nine News Sydney's 6pm weekend news will air on Friday, April 17.
The network has appointed journalist Mark Burrows to take over as presenter of the Friday and Saturday 6pm bulletins.
The Decision to Leave
Gardner revealed her decision during an appearance on the Today show, citing two key reasons:
- "Vicarious sadness trauma" – the toll of consistently reporting on distressing news content
- At age 55, a desire to explore new opportunities, learn, and contribute in different areas
She described the decision as bittersweet, telling viewers she has "mixed emotions" but feels "really exhilarated" about the future. Gardner plans to take time before deciding on her next steps and thanked the network for the opportunities provided throughout her career.
A Storied Career at Nine
Gardner joined Nine in July 2002, beginning a run that would see her fill almost every on-air news role at the network.
Key career highlights include:
- Presenting the 6pm weekday weather and Morning News
- Serving as newsreader for the Today breakfast show from 2007 to 2014
- Returning to co-host Today in 2018 alongside Karl Stefanovic and later Deborah Knight
- 17 years anchoring the 6pm weekend news bulletin
- Presenting on other programs, including Nightline
Gardner called her nine years on Today the "pinnacle" of her tenure at Nine, noting she had appeared on nearly every program the network produces except A Current Affair.
"My nine years on the Today show represented the pinnacle of my tenure at the network."
Before joining Nine, Gardner began her media career in 1992 with a radio cadetship at Radio 2NX in Newcastle. She later read news at 2Day FM in Sydney in 1994 and worked as a television news reporter.
Industry Context
Gardner's departure comes amid a challenging period for Nine's television division, which reported a 14 percent decrease in revenue in its recent half-yearly results. In November, Nine's TV and streaming boss Amanda Laing noted the company was reviewing remuneration across all areas of its business, including on-air staff.
Other notable departures from Nine include Livinia Nixon, Amber Sherlock, Kate Collins, and Jonathan Uptin.
Fiona Dear, Nine's executive director of news and current affairs, praised Gardner's versatility, stating she held "almost every on-air news role at Nine." Dear commended Gardner's professionalism and composure during breaking news events.
Karl Stefanovic, who co-hosted Today with Gardner, described her as "one of the best newsreaders in the world" and acknowledged the demanding nature of the job.
The Successor: Mark Burrows
Channel 9 has announced that journalist Mark Burrows will take over as presenter of Sydney's Friday and Saturday 6pm bulletins.
Burrows has been with Channel 9 for 20 years and has covered major global events including:
- The death of Princess Diana
- The Iraq War
- The Bali bombings
- The Sydney Olympics
- The wars in Afghanistan and Ukraine
He is a recipient of both a Logie Award and a Walkley Award for his reporting.
"After so many years reporting for Channel 9, it's a deep privilege to step into this role and continue bringing Sydney viewers the stories that matter." — Mark Burrows
Peter Overton will continue to present Sydney's 6pm bulletin from Sunday to Thursday.