Nine’s Streaming Boss Amanda Laing Departs After Two Years
Nine Networks has announced the departure of Amanda Laing, its managing director of streaming and broadcast, after a tenure of just under two years. Laing, who joined the network in April 2025, oversaw Channel Nine, 9Now and Stan, and implemented significant cost‑cutting measures in response to a c…
By Felo News Desk · Published
In a surprising move that signals a deeper shake‑up within the Australian media landscape, Nine Networks has confirmed that Amanda Laing, the managing director of streaming and broadcast, will be leaving the company after a tenure of less than two years. Laing’s departure follows a series of high‑profile exits, including the Australian Financial Review’s editor‑in‑chief James Chessell, who has joined the independent media site Rampart. The announcement comes amid a broader restructuring aimed at addressing the network’s declining advertising revenue and tightening cost structure.
Who is Amanda Laing?
Amanda Laing joined Nine Networks in April 2025, bringing with her a decade of experience in the television and media sector. Prior to Nine, she held senior roles at Foxtel, Australia’s leading pay‑TV provider, and served on the board of the Australian Rugby League Commission. Her appointment to the streaming and broadcast portfolio was seen as a strategic move to strengthen Nine’s digital presence and to streamline operations across its traditional and online platforms.
The Role and Achievements
In her capacity as managing director, Laing oversaw the network’s flagship free‑to‑air channel, Channel Nine, the on‑demand service 9Now, and the premium streaming platform Stan. During her time at Nine, she secured a key deal to retain the rights to broadcast National Rugby League (NRL) matches, a critical asset for the network’s audience and advertising appeal. However, the NRL rights deal came at a cost, and Laing was tasked with balancing the financial implications against the need to maintain a competitive edge in a crowded media market.
One of Laing’s most significant contributions was the implementation of a comprehensive cost‑cutting program across Nine’s television division. The network’s most recent annual results revealed that the total value of its TV business—encompassing both broadcast and digital streaming—was written down by $426 million, bringing the book value down to approximately $360 million. These measures were a direct response to a steep decline in advertising revenue, which has been a persistent challenge for traditional broadcasters worldwide.
Context of the Restructuring
The announcement of Laing’s exit is part of a wider restructuring that also saw James Chessell, the editor‑in‑chief of the Australian Financial Review, leave to join Rampart, an independent media outlet. Chessell’s departure has prompted the appointment of Cosima Marriner as the new editor of the Financial Review. These moves underscore a broader trend of leadership turnover within Australian media companies as they navigate an increasingly digital and competitive landscape.
Matt Stanton, Nine’s chief executive, has been steering the company through a period of significant change. Under his leadership, Nine has pursued a strategy of consolidation, focusing on core assets while divesting non‑essential operations. Laing’s exit is likely to accelerate this process, as the network seeks to streamline its operations and reduce overheads in the face of a sluggish advertising market.
What Happens Next?
While Nine has not yet named a successor for Laing’s role, the network is expected to appoint an interim head of streaming and broadcast as it searches for a permanent replacement. The decision is likely to be influenced by the need to maintain momentum on digital initiatives, particularly the expansion of Stan’s subscription base and the integration of 9Now’s on‑demand offerings.
Industry analysts predict that Nine will continue to focus on cost efficiency and strategic partnerships. The network may also explore new revenue streams, such as data‑driven advertising and content licensing, to offset the decline in traditional ad sales. The upcoming months will be critical for Nine as it navigates these changes and seeks to solidify its position in a rapidly evolving media environment.
Why This Matters
Laing’s departure highlights the ongoing challenges faced by traditional broadcasters in adapting to a digital‑first world. It also underscores the importance of strategic leadership in steering media companies through periods of financial uncertainty and market disruption.
For viewers, the changes may mean a continued emphasis on high‑quality sports content and a more streamlined digital experience across Nine’s platforms.
Key facts
- Amanda Laing departs after <2 years at Nine
- Cost cuts reduced TV business value by $426M
- NRL rights secured under Laing
- James Chessell leaves AFR for Rampart
- Nine seeks interim streaming head
- Network to explore new revenue models
Why it matters
The exit of a key executive at a major Australian broadcaster signals significant shifts in the media industry’s response to digital disruption and a tightening advertising market, affecting both content strategy and business operations.
Frequently asked questions
Why did Amanda Laing leave Nine?
Her departure is part of a broader restructuring aimed at cutting costs and addressing a challenging advertising environment.
What will happen to Nine’s streaming services?
The network will appoint an interim head of streaming and broadcast and continue to focus on expanding Stan and 9Now.
How does this affect Nine’s sports coverage?
Nine has secured the NRL broadcasting rights, which remain a cornerstone of its audience strategy.
Will Nine’s advertising revenue recover?
The network is exploring new revenue streams and partnerships to mitigate the decline in traditional ad sales.
Sources
- [1] smh.com.au — originally reported as “Nine TV and streaming boss leaving after less than two years”
