EXCLUSIVE
Broadcasting icon Liz Hayes is set to be the latest victim in Nine’s brutal bloodletting with network execs poised to kill off their biggest star’s true crime series.
Channel Nine insiders have revealed the veteran reporter’s award-winning show, Under Investigation with Liz Hayes, was ‘under review’ and about to be axed amid widespread budget cuts and forced redundancies at the network.
Long-time Nine staff said they were shocked by the decision, particularly given she had only just been nominated for a Silver Logie for her work fronting the series.
‘If that’s what they feel comfortable doing to Liz Hayes’ show, then nothing is out of bounds,’ one troubled network insider told Daily Mail Australia.
‘Liz is a Nine legend and the face of the network. To even consider killing off her show is just brutal – it means absolutely no one and nothing is safe.’
While Hayes’ show might be gone, the star journalist will stay on at the network she first joined four decades again as a news reporter in Nine’s Sydney headquarters in 1981.
Under Investigation with Liz Hayes is ‘under review’ amid Nine’s brutal budget cuts
Nine star reporter Liz Hayes had fronted the award-winning program for six years
It is unlikely she will have much spare time on her hands, with the move will freeing her up to return to her regular reporting duties with the network’s flagship 60 Minutes program.
While Hayes has remained the main face of the show, she has largely faded from the program’s line-up in recent years as she turned her focus to her own investigative crime series.
Under Investigation had developed a strong following in its Tuesday night timeslot since its debut six years ago.
It was recognised with a media diversity gong this year at the 2024 Mid-Year Celebration of Journalism, hosted by the Walkley Foundation, in June for its investigation into the shooting of Kumanjayi Walker by former Northern Territory police officer Zachary Rolfe.
‘It’s incredibly rewarding to be acknowledged, especially given our small yet mighty team at Under Investigation. Our mission is unwavering: to uncover the truth behind challenging and significant cases,’ Hayes said at the time.
‘Our program is about shining a light on difficult and sometimes very dark stories. But it’s always about uncovering the truth, and importantly, offering the families and friends of victims a chance at finding out what happened to someone they love.
Although Hayes’ job with the network is safe, it is understood a number of the program’s close-knit team have already lost their jobs at the network.
Nine declined to comment on the program’s fate.
Nine Network icon Liz Hayes is expected to return to full-time duties with 60 Minutes
Liz Hayes (second from right) with Karl Stefanovic, Tara Brown and Sarah Abo
Nine boss Mike Sneesby announced hundreds of jobs would be axed at the network as part of a $30 million cost-cutting plan.
‘From our nationwide team of almost 5000 people, around 200 jobs are expected to be affected across Nine, including some vacant and casual roles not being filled,’ the Nine chief executive said.
Sneesby has since come under fire for repeated fire for ‘tone-deaf’ largesse amid the cuts, including his decision to fly to Paris to carry the Olympic torch ahead of the Games.
He was also lambasted for staying at a luxurious five-star hotel and spa in the heart of the French capital while the hardworking reporters covering the Olympics were consigned to budget accommodation in the outer suburbs.
Members of Nine’s leadership team were also booked into the glamorous ivy-covered Le Pavilion de la Reine hotel and spa in the heart of the capital’s sought-after Le Marais district.
The hotel, which boasts it offers ‘an elegant atmosphere’ and ‘discreet’ world-class luxury, is located a stone’s throw from the city’s most popular landmarks including Notre Dame, Le Centre Pompidou, and the Louvre, and includes gym facilities, spa access and free breakfast.
Nine Entertainment executive Mike Sneesby in Paris with Today show star Karl Stefanovic
Members of Nine’s executive team have checked in to the famous Le Pavilion de la Reine hotel
The luxury hotel and spa offers designer rooms in the heart of one of the city’s trendiest neighbourhoods
Rooms at the exclusive resort cost more than three times as much as the staff’s ‘budget’ accommodation
In contrast, working reporters and crew were put up in hotels for less than a third of a price far from their boss’s inner-city retreat.
The accommodation disparity led to a cringe-worth television encounter outside Sneesby’s hotel.
‘It’s not really the time to have a chat,’ the Nine chief said, after being approached by a reporter from rival commercial network Seven.
‘It’s pretty straight forward though, should you have carried the torch yesterday?’ the reporter insisted as Mr Sneesby pushed past him.
The reporter was undeterred and fired more questions at Mr Sneesby who kept walking while remaining tight-lipped.
‘Is it inappropriate you staying at a boutique hotel when you have just sacked staff today?’ the reporter asked.
Maintaining a tight-lipped grimace Mr Sneesby attempted to dismiss the reporter.
‘I’m meeting my family and…’ he said.
‘You’re the boss of a media business, are you here for work or here on a holiday with family?’ the reporter interjected.
Nine was also forced to defend its decision to fly The Block host Scott Cam to Paris at great expense to promote the upcoming season of the reality renovation show at a time when the network was embroiled in budget cuts.
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