Veteran Australian journalist Georgie Gardner has announced she will step away from Channel Nine after more than two decades with the network, bringing an end to a long and respected broadcasting career.
Gardner confirmed the news in an Instagram post, revealing she has decided to leave after almost 24 years with Nine and more than three decades working in broadcast journalism.
Her final 6pm bulletin for 9News Sydney will air on Friday, April 17.
The 55-year-old said the decision brings a mixture of nerves and excitement as she prepares to move into the next stage of her life and career.
“After 34 yrs of broadcast journalism, I’ve decided to call it a day,” she wrote.
“My resignation has been accepted — which conjures up a fair bit of trepidation and exhilaration in equal measure.”
Gardner said she does not yet know what the future holds, but she is looking forward to discovering what comes next.
“So time now to embark on a new chapter and not yet sure what that looks like, but I’m open to new opportunities and I’m excited,” she said.
“There’s so much still to learn and discover in the world, and at age 55, so much still to contribute.”
Gardner’s career began in 1992 at radio station 2NX in Newcastle, when she was a 21-year-old from Perth just starting out in journalism.
Looking back, she described broadcasting as an incredibly rewarding profession that allowed her to explore stories, connect with people and shine a light on issues that could bring positive change.
Gardner joined Nine in 2002 and went on to become one of the network’s most recognisable faces, presenting news bulletins across different timeslots and co-hosting the Today show during her career.
She also paid tribute to the many colleagues and interview subjects who had shaped her journey, saying their support made the decision to step away particularly difficult.
“They are the reason why the decision to resign has not been made lightly, so to them and our viewers, I am immensely grateful.” she said.
Following the announcement, colleagues and friends from across the media industry flooded the comments with messages of support.
Nine presenter Belinda Russell shared her surprise at the news, writing: “What!!!! Sad to see you’re leaving Nine but you’re so right.. still so much to contribute and so many more exciting adventures to be had. Good on you. Will miss our Fridays and Saturdays together.”
Television host David Campbell also reflected on working alongside Gardner, posting: “G! This is massive. Will miss sharing a dressing room with you. Congratulations on a remarkable career at 9.”
Journalist Natalia Cooper said Gardner would be deeply missed in the newsroom.
“Georgie, you will be so missed! Loved working with you. Wishing you all the very best for your next chapter,” she wrote.
Former Today show weatherman Stevie Jacobs also paid tribute to his former colleague, commenting: “Congrats G. It was an honour to spend some of those years working with you. One of the best in the biz. Big opportunities ahead I’m sure.”
Many viewers also shared their appreciation for Gardner’s professionalism and warmth on screen, thanking her for decades of trusted news coverage.
Gardner signed off her announcement with a simple reflection on her career.
“It’s been awesome,” she wrote. “And it’s time.”
