Hugh Marks bids farewell to Willoughby HQ as Nine departs after 63 years
Nine Entertainment has ceased broadcast television operations over the weekend at its Willoughby home after spending 63 years at the site.
The final day of broadcasting took place on Saturday night, November 21 – with new studios on Denison St, North Sydney, taking over the feed later that evening.
Front Of Site – Nine Willoughby
It’s been just over five years since Nine announced it had signed an agreement to sell the site for $147.5m to the Hong Kong-based Euro Properties.
Developer Mirvac went on to buy the site for $249m earlier in 2020, having also acquired the adjacent TX Australia transmission property.
The Willoughby site was the home of Nine for over six decades and was the site of Australia’s first television broadcast, which featured Bruce Gyngell, father of former Nine CEO David Gyngell.
Gyngell senior famously greeted viewers in 1956 with “Good evening, and welcome to television”.
Nine Willoughby – In Studio
In a note to staff, outgoing CEO Hugh Marks said the time had come to say goodbye.
“As we bid farewell, it’s important that we celebrate our history and take with us an unrivaled legacy. Willoughby is the place where Australian TV began,” he said.
“Since that day, our network has never skipped a beat and led the way in telling stories in Australia and beyond.
“Over the decades, many have come through our doors and made a mark on Australian television as an industry.
“As you know, media is an ever-changing industry and as we vacate our home, we move to a new era.”
Marks went on to say that Nine’s new home will “enhance” the content the broadcaster will deliver over the coming years.
“While some things may change, others remain the same, and the talent, skill and passion you all have will only be enhanced by this new place as we continue to create incredible content that speaks to all Australians.
“Thank you for the memories you’ve all helped create. We’ve been making TV history for the past six decades, and next week that will not change.
“A new era, a new Nine. I hope you are as excited as I am.”
Got a tip?
Zanda Wilson was a reporter and podcast producer at Mumbrella, specialising in radio reporting. He left Mumbrella in September 2021.
Linkedin