Nine has restructured its streaming and broadcast divisions with new executive roles covering entertainment, content acquisition and marketing as the media group seeks growth across its free-to-air and subscription services.
The changes, effective from July 1, create expanded responsibilities spanning Channel 9, streaming service 9Now and subscription platform Stan for the first time under managing director streaming and broadcast Amanda Laing.
"While Nine's streaming and broadcast brands have enjoyed independent success, our strength lies in the power of the Nine Group and today's changes are the first step in unlocking that potential," Laing said.
Michael Healy has been appointed executive director of entertainment, with responsibility for content across both free and subscription platforms. Healy has four decades of experience in Australian television production.
Cailah Scobie becomes executive director of entertainment content acquisitions, focusing on content that will drive both advertising and subscription revenue.
Fiona Dear continues as executive director of news and current affairs.
The company is recruiting for new positions including chief strategy officer and chief marketing officer for the streaming and broadcast division.
Sport production teams from Wide World of Sports and Stan Sport will be combined under Brent Williams, while Laing will lead strategic analysis of other sport business opportunities.
The restructure gives three executives profit and loss responsibility for Nine's streaming and broadcast products.
Hamish Turner, executive director, will oversee Channel 9, its multi-channels and 9Now, while Dan Taylor, executive director, takes responsibility for Stan's profit/loss performance.
Tom Malone continues as managing director of Nine's radio operations, which remain separate from the streaming and broadcast restructure.
State managing directors in Queensland (Kylie Blucher), Western Australia (Clive Bingwa) and South Australia (Sean O’Brien) will now report to Laing rather than operating independently.
The changes are part of the "Nine2028 transformation program" following a new group operating model announced in January.
"There is immense opportunity to drive growth for the Nine Group and strong momentum already underway," Laing said.
“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.”
Nine Entertainment last month reported total TV advertising revenue increased by almost 8% in the March quarter but sees uncertainty ahead.
The company said growth in Nine’s free-to-air revenue share and BVOD revenues more than offset a free-to-air market which is estimated to have been marginally down.
Nine expects "cost efficiencies" to the end of the 2027 financial year of more than $100 million, of which $10 million to $20 million is expected to be realised this financial year, on top of the previous guidance of $50 million.
The media group posted a slide in profit in a challenging advertising market with revenue up just 1% in the six months to December. Revenue was $1.39 billion for the half year, while net profit after tax fell 25% to $112.2 million.
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