Nine announces new Queensland and WA TV news directors
Nine has announced even more movements this week, confirming new TV news directors for both Queensland and Western Australia.
Just a day after confirming the resignation of chief sales officer, Michael Stephenson, on Wednesday, the media giant has confirmed the appointments of Brendan Hockings for Queensland and Michael Genovese for WA.
Hockings, who has been acting in the role since November, will oversee 9News operations in Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Darwin, while Genovese – who has previously worked in a number of positions at Nine including WAtoday and 6PR – will take over the Perth newsroom having been acting in the role for the past three months.
“We were overwhelmed with applications from highly talented journalists and leaders during this process and these internal appointments showcase the depth we have within 9News,” director of TV news & current affairs, Fiona Dear, said.
“Both Brendan and Michael are exceptional journalists, leaders, and people, and we are extremely fortunate to have individuals of their calibre to appoint into these key leadership positions to drive our transformation and continue to uplift Nine’s culture.
Brendan Hockings
“Over the past few months they have provided leadership stability and strong editorial guidance to their respective newsrooms, and I am proud to formally announce them in these roles today.”
Hockings added: “I marvel constantly at the creativity, passion and dedication of our 9News Queensland team. I’m honoured to take up this role and look forward to leading this extraordinary team of people as we tell Queensland and the Northern Territory’s greatest stories.”
Genovese said the role is a “privilege”, having worked at Nine Perth over the last decade.
“As West Australians turn to 9News as their trusted source of information, we remain committed to delivering the stories that matter to Perth, every single day,” he said.
Michael Genovese
Hockings’ appointment comes after former Queensland news director, Amanda Paterson, launched legal action against Nine this month, alleging that she was unlawfully terminated in November.
It’s reported that Paterson’s termination related to three alleged workplace breaches – a failure to complete training modules, a “botched” contract extension of a staff member and made a reference to the removal of “dickheads” from Nine in front of staff in the newsroom.
On Thursday, Nine said the recruitment for a new Sydney TV news director – following the departure of Simon Hobbs last month – remains underway.
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Neil Griffiths is the Managing Editor of Mumbrella. He joined the company in October 2023.
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