Veteran Australian television presenter Amber Sherlock has announced her departure from the Nine Network after nearly 20 years of service, pointing to the company's ongoing 'streamlining' efforts as the catalyst for her exit.
A Sudden Farewell After Two Decades
The Sydney-based weather presenter and journalist confirmed her forced exit on Thursday through social media, following her unexpected absence from Monday's broadcast. Her departure comes as Nine implements widespread redundancies across its broadcast and streaming divisions, with approximately 50 positions reportedly facing elimination.
"Nearly 20 years anywhere is a milestone, but to be in your lounge rooms every evening has been a privilege," Sherlock wrote in her emotional farewell message to viewers.
The seasoned broadcaster reflected on her extensive career at the network, noting she had presented across almost every bulletin during her tenure. Her roles spanned from early days as a finance journalist to reading the Qantas news and becoming the inaugural newsreader for Weekend Today.
End of an Era for Weather Presenters
Sherlock most recently served as part of the 6pm Sydney news team alongside Peter Overton and James Bracey, a lineup she proudly noted had dominated the ratings for the past 15 consecutive years. She described her departure as signaling "the end of an era for dedicated 6pm weather presenters."
While the network offered her alternative positions, Sherlock revealed she declined these opportunities, explaining that "it makes sense to step away now and look at something fresh."
The mother of two took a subtle swipe at the network's restructuring efforts, commenting that "streamlining seems to be the prevailing forecast" while wishing luck to anyone brave enough to tackle the Bureau of Meteorology's new website.
Colleagues Follow Similar Path
Sherlock isn't alone in her departure from Nine. Media Week has reported that Adelaide newsreader Kate Collins and Queensland sports reporter Jonathan Uptin have also been cut from the network's roster.
The outgoing presenter drew parallels between her exit and last week's announcement that long-running Nine presenter Livinia Nixon would also be leaving. "Just like Melbourne turned a bit greyer with Livinia's departure announced last week, Sydney's feeling a little cloudier now too," Sherlock remarked poetically.
Sherlock's departure was unexpectedly revealed to viewers on Wednesday night by colleague Georgie Gardner during a broadcast, in what appeared to be an unscripted moment. Gardner praised Sherlock as "a valued member of the news team" and wished her and her family well.
The journalist, who faced public scrutiny during the 2017 "jacketgate" incident where she was filmed criticizing a colleague's similar white outfit, said she plans to unveil "exciting projects" soon and will embrace her new horizon with family support.
