Veteran journalist Liz Hayes has announced her departure from Nine, ending an extraordinary 44-year career with the network. Hayes, who became a household name as the host of Today in the 1980s and later a leading reporter on 60 Minutes, is leaving to pursue new opportunities.
A Storied Career at Nine
Hayes, 68, first joined Nine in 1981 as a reporter and was quickly promoted to host Sydney station TCN’s morning news bulletin. A favorite of Nine’s then-managing director Sam Chisholm and owner Kerry Packer, she became co-host of Today in 1986 alongside Steve Liebmann, a role she held for a decade.
In 1996, she transitioned to 60 Minutes, where she built a reputation for on-the-ground reporting, covering US presidential elections, the Syrian refugee crisis, and natural disasters. Over the years, she interviewed world leaders, Hollywood actors, music legends, and top athletes, cementing her status as one of Australia’s most respected journalists.
Hayes is the recipient of a Logie Award for her documentary The Greatest Gift and, in 2024, received the Media Diversity Australia Award for her work on Under Investigation with Liz Hayes.
Reflecting on her departure, Hayes said:
“When I arrived at Nine, I had little more than a notebook and a typewriter, but like my new and far more experienced colleagues, I carried with me an enormous passion for telling stories. I was blessed. I had found my tribe.”
“Of course, much has changed. The media world has evolved, as have I. What hasn’t changed is the need for good stories to be told, and I will continue to tell them.”
Clash with 60 Minutes Executive Producer
Hayes’ departure comes amid reports of a long-standing rift with 60 Minutes executive producer Kirsty Thomson.
Insiders revealed that Hayes had voiced her frustration for years over what she perceived as a decline in production standards. She reportedly raised concerns that the show’s newer producers lacked sufficient experience and questioned the lighter content direction the program had taken.
A key sticking point was Nine’s decision to delay 60 Minutes’ traditional start time to accommodate the network’s ratings juggernaut, Married at First Sight.
“Simply put, the two women, who once got on famously when Thomson was chief-of-staff, didn’t agree on the direction of the show,” a source told the media.
In 2021, Nine attempted to resolve the issue by launching a 60 Minutes spin-off, Under Investigation with Liz Hayes, with veteran producer Gareth Harvey overseeing the project. However, the program was axed in 2023 as part of a $30 million budget cut, leaving Hayes without a dedicated role.
Ongoing Uncertainty and Omission from Nine’s 2025 Promo
Hayes’ absence from Nine’s 2025 promotional campaign for 60 Minutes in January sparked public speculation about her future at the network. Despite internal tensions, Nine initially maintained that Hayes would remain part of its news team, contributing to special stories and events.
However, her decision to leave was ultimately confirmed this week.
Industry Tributes
Nine’s Director of Television, Michael Healy, paid tribute to Hayes, acknowledging her impact on Australian journalism.
“Liz Hayes is an Australian television legend and has dedicated most of her career to Nine. She will leave an undeniable legacy,” Healy said.
“Her many accomplishments speak volumes about the type of journalist she is – tenacious, a truth seeker, and above all, a storyteller. I’d like to recognise Liz for the impact she has had on Australian journalism and thank her for all she has done for Nine over the past 44 years. We know Liz’s next chapter will be just as successful as her last, and she has our full support.”
While Nine insists that Hayes will still appear for special reports, her departure marks the end of an era for the network and the Australian medaia landscape.
