Nine has today announced the appointments of Brendan Hockings and Michael Genovese as TV News Directors in Queensland and Western Australia, respectively. 

Mr Hockings, who has been acting in the role since November, will oversee 9News operations for Brisbane, Gold Coast and Darwin. Beginning his career at Nine 20 years ago, Mr Hockings is a highly respected journalist and leader, having covered some of the biggest stories in Queensland and around the world. 

Mr Genovese will oversee the TV Newsroom in Perth after acting in the role for the past three months. He is a seasoned senior reporter and presenter, having held a number of positions within Nine including WAtoday, 6PR, Today Show and 9News where he was based in LA as Nine’s US Correspondent. Mr Genovese has seamlessly transitioned into a leadership role over the past few months following the recent appointment of Gareth Parker to the Network News Content Director role.

Director of TV News & Current Affairs Fiona Dear said: “We were overwhelmed with applications from highly talented journalists and leaders during this process and these internal appointments showcase the depth we have within 9News. 

“Both Brendan and Michael are exceptional journalists, leaders, and people, and we are extremely fortunate to have individuals of their calibre to appoint into these key leadership positions to drive our transformation and continue to uplift Nine’s culture.

“Over the past few months they have provided leadership stability and strong editorial guidance to their respective newsrooms, and I am proud to formally announce them in these roles today.”

Mr Hockings said: “I marvel constantly at the creativity, passion and dedication of our 9News Queensland team. I’m honoured to take up this role and look forward to leading this extraordinary team of people as we tell Queensland and the Northern Territory’s greatest stories.” 

Mr Genovese said: “Nine Perth has been my home for over a decade and it’s a privilege to take on the role of News Director and lead the hard-working team here. As West Australians turn to 9News as their trusted source of information, we remain committed to delivering the stories that matter to Perth, every single day.”

The recruitment for the Sydney TV News Director role remains underway. 

For further information, please contact:
Claudine Blondeau
Communications Manager – Queensland
cblondeau@nine.com.au

Bayley Howe
Marketing & Publicity Executive – Perth
bayleyhowe@nine.com.au

Thursday, December 19, 2024