Nine’s Major Overhaul: Transforming the Streaming and Broadcast Division Under Amanda Laing
In a bold step towards innovation and growth, Nine Entertainment has announced a significant restructuring of its Streaming and Broadcast division. This transformation is part of the ambitious Nine2028 program, aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and solidifying market presence across all platforms, including Channel 9, 9Now, and Stan.
A New Leadership Vision
On Friday, this strategic overhaul commenced, marking a new era under the leadership of Amanda Laing, Managing Director of Streaming and Broadcast. A revamped leadership team will take the helm from July 1, 2025, bringing fresh perspectives and expertise to the division.
Key Appointments
Michael Healy, a seasoned veteran with four decades of experience in local content creation, steps into the role of Executive Director – Entertainment. Previously serving as Director of Television, Healy’s vast knowledge will be crucial in elevating Nine’s entertainment offerings.
In a strategic move, Cailah Scobie, current chief content officer for Stan, will transition to Executive Director – Entertainment Content Acquisitions. Her focus will be to secure premium content that boosts both advertising and subscription revenues.
Fiona Dear will continue her impactful role as Executive Director – News & Current Affairs, spearheading transformation within 9News. Moreover, Brent Williams will unite the production teams of Wide World of Sports and Stan Sport, signaling a deliberate strategy to streamline sports content production.
New Strategic Roles and Growth Opportunities
The restructuring also introduces two groundbreaking executive roles to further Nine’s strategic ambitions. A Chief Strategy Officer – Streaming and Broadcast will focus on strategic analysis and planning, while a Chief Marketing Officer – Streaming and Broadcast will lead a cohesive marketing team across the division. These positions are integral to cultivating a robust strategic framework.
Additionally, a fresh reporting structure is being established for Nine’s State Managing Directors in Queensland, Western Australia, and South Australia, now reporting directly to Laing. This change aims to drive growth in the Streaming and Broadcast sectors within these critical markets.
Hamish Turner will oversee the P&L for Nine’s free television and streaming operations as the Executive Director – Channel 9, 9 multi-channels, and 9Now. Meanwhile, Dan Taylor will take charge as Executive Director – Stan, with Tom Malone continuing his tenure as Managing Director – Radio, ensuring steady revenue and EBITDA contributions.
A Vision for Growth
Laing expressed her belief in the potential of Nine, stating, “There is immense opportunity to drive growth for the Nine Group and strong momentum already underway.” She emphasized that while Nine’s streaming and broadcast brands have previously thrived independently, the true strength lies in the unified power of the Nine Group.
“We’re lucky enough to have some of the industry’s top talent, and I’m excited to leverage their experience across our streaming and broadcast brands,” Laing added, showcasing her enthusiasm for the road ahead.
All newly appointed roles will report to Laing, underlining her vision for a cohesive and dynamic leadership structure.
Conclusion: The Future of Nine
As Nine embarks on this ambitious transformation, the focus will undoubtedly be on innovation, efficiency, and growth. With a stellar leadership team in place, the future looks bright for Nine’s Streaming and Broadcast division. Is it a new chapter or the dawn of a media revolution? The coming years will surely reveal the impact of these strategic changes.
For more insights on industry transformations and content strategies, you might explore resources like Content Marketing Institute and HubSpot.