Channel Nine investigates ‘heated’ on-set incident involving star newsreader Georgie Gardner – as junior staffer makes complaint

Channel Nine investigates 'heated' on-set incident involving star newsreader Georgie Gardner - as junior staffer makes complaint

As a seasoned news enthusiast and follower of the Australian media scene for many years, I have witnessed the highs and lows, the triumphs and tribulations of many talented journalists. Among them is the resilient Georgie Gardner, who has graced our screens with her professionalism and charm for nearly two decades.


Investigations are currently underway by Channel Nine regarding allegations of a tense backstage encounter involving popular news anchor, Georgie Gardner, and some team members, that reportedly took place about a month ago.

After finishing the Sydney news broadcast at 54 years old, it is said that a confrontation ensued away from the cameras.

According to The Sunday Telegraph, a young staff member has lodged a grievance, prompting Nine to initiate an internal probe into the matter.

‘It is the talk of the newsroom at the moment,’ an insider told the publication.

For two weeks following the reported incident, Gardner was not featured on the program. However, this absence was pre-planned and categorized as a scheduled break.

According to an informant, although people were disturbed by the occurrence, they found it bearable when they believed she would be temporarily out of action for a short period.

On September 13, Gardner resumed her regular news anchor duties, and she presented the news on both Friday and Saturday evenings.

9 chose not to respond to the accusation when reached out by The Sunday Telegraph. Instead, they issued a statement saying, “Georgie Gardner is a well-respected, longtime member of our Nine News team. We have nothing more to add on this matter.

Channel Nine investigates 'heated' on-set incident involving star newsreader Georgie Gardner - as junior staffer makes complaint

Daily Mail Australia has also contacted Nine for comment.

On Friday and Saturday evenings, Gardner serves as the anchor for Nine News in Sydney, presenting the 6 o’clock news broadcast.

In 2002, Gardner commenced her journey with the network, initially appearing as a weather broadcaster and host of afternoon news segments at Nine.

2006 saw her taking over Leila McKinnon’s role as host for National Nine News Morning Edition, a position she held for eight years. Additionally, she served as a news presenter on the Today show for the same duration.

In the year 2009, Gardner was additionally given the role of weekend presenter during the 6 pm news broadcast, even as he continued his co-hosting duties on the Today show.

In the year 2014, she decided to step down from her position at Today to devote more attention to her loved ones. However, she still made sporadic appearances as a reporter for 60 Minutes and 9News on occasion.

Channel Nine investigates 'heated' on-set incident involving star newsreader Georgie Gardner - as junior staffer makes complaint
Channel Nine investigates 'heated' on-set incident involving star newsreader Georgie Gardner - as junior staffer makes complaint

In 2018, the presenter with blonde hair took over from Lisa Wilkinson on the Today show and spent a year co-hosting the Channel Nine morning show with Karl Stefanovic.

She then co-hosted the show with Deborah Knight in 2019.

In reflection on last year, I, as a lifestyle enthusiast, find myself delving into the reasons behind my departure from my co-hosting position alongside Karl Stefanovic. It was a unique experience and I learned so much during that time.

On the It’s All Her podcast, Gardner expressed her gratitude by referring to the job as an honor or distinguished opportunity she was chosen for.

However, the turmoil stemming from Stefanovic’s high-profile divorce with Cassandra Thorburn and his subsequent relationship with Jasmine Yarbrough began affecting the dynamics within the studio.

‘Unfortunately things that were out of my control meant that it was a short-lived stint,’ she said.

I spent a year co-hosting with Karl, which was incredibly enjoyable. However, it was also a challenging time for him personally as he faced several issues. Additionally, the environment was quite noisy.

I’ve been utterly captivated, yet our admiration couldn’t quite take off due to the constant swirl of speculations surrounding his personal affairs. It weighed heavily on him, and undeniably, it weighed on us too.

The journalist then quashed previous reports of the pair’s tense relationship.

She found a strong connection with the person and genuinely enjoyed their company; they seemed to have a wonderful chemistry together.

‘Anyway, one thing led to another he was moved off the show. In fact, they moved everyone off, which was very, very tricky for me.’

Stefanovic was axed from the Today show before Deborah Knight moved in alongside Gardner in 2019.

However, following significant changes including new hosts, Gardner suggested that the breakfast show was facing challenges and chose to relinquish her hosting position.

‘It got to a point where I could see it just wasn’t going to work. So I just gracefully exited stage left and just continued on with my news, which is what I’m still doing today,’ Gardner added.

Channel Nine investigates 'heated' on-set incident involving star newsreader Georgie Gardner - as junior staffer makes complaint

Gardner was confirmed as the highly anticipated replacement for Lisa Wilkinson six years ago.

However, their collaboration with Stefanovic did not last long, as reported by The Sunday Telegraph, who stated that they had difficulty getting along.

As reported by the publication, Gardner consented to appear on Channel Nine’s morning show following an understanding that she would commit for just one year alongside Karl. Nevertheless, a representative from the network has discredited this claim as baseless or unfounded.

Stefanovic perceived Georgie as lacking humor, whereas Georgie perceives him as possessing a large ego, according to News Corp’s report. (or)

As a lifestyle expert, I might rephrase it this way: In order to accept the role as Today host, Gardner stipulated that our mutual acquaintance, Karl, and I would not be working together extensively for an extended period.

As a lifestyle connoisseur looking back, I can recall that I agreed to join the program under the understanding it would span just a single year alongside Karl, as a trusted insider shared with The Sunday Telegraph.

‘After that, he’s gone and Nine will recast and she will get to work with someone else.’

According to the report, Stefanovic consented to Gardner’s terms as he had been eagerly pushing for a departure from Today for some time.

Contrarily, a representative from Channel Nine has declared that the story is false, stating bluntly to Daily Mail Australia: “That’s nonsense.

Channel Nine investigates 'heated' on-set incident involving star newsreader Georgie Gardner - as junior staffer makes complaint

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2024-09-22 03:38

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