A string of personnel moves and controversies across Australian media and entertainment outlets emerged this week, from an abrupt resignation at a major magazine publisher to a former sideline reporter announcing she will no longer seek Rugby League work.
Elizabeth “Lizzie” Baxter, the partner of Nova radio presenter Tim Blackwell, resigned from Are Media — the publisher of Woman’s Day, New Idea and TV Week — after roughly a week in a digital role, according to people familiar with the matter. Baxter had bylined an interview for Woman’s Day on Sept. 7 and moved from a production position at Nova to a digital-facing role at the publisher before departing for what an insider described as “personal reasons.”
The resignation followed publicity around a Father’s Day social post that drew public attention to her relationship with Blackwell. Staff at the publication were reportedly left scrambling to cover her duties after the departure. Are Media did not publicly comment on the resignation.
Separately, Nine network presenter Clint Stanaway has handed in his notice, creating a vacancy on Weekend Today. Internal discussions have identified a shortlist of potential replacements, including Today show weather presenter Tim Davies, Europe correspondent Edward Godfrey, Nine’s political editor Charles Croucher and finance reporter Chris Kohler. Sources say geographic logistics — Davies is based in Brisbane while Kohler and Croucher work in other cities — will factor into the final decision.
Former Fox Sports freelancer Tiffany Salmond said she has ceased looking for work as a rugby league sideline reporter after an extended public search for opportunities. Salmond, who worked as a sideline reporter for New Zealand Warriors games and relocated to Sydney while seeking roles, said on social media that the chapter was "closed" and that she would not return to the sidelines. In July she publicly said she believed she had been sidelined because of perceptions within the industry; Fox Sports has said there was not a role available for her.
Coverage and commentary about the fatal shooting of US conservative commentator Charlie Kirk also produced strong reactions in Australia this week. A column by Amy Remeikis for The New Daily was withdrawn shortly after publication; critics said the piece celebrated the death. Remeikis and the outlet later removed the article. Realestate.com.au briefly published a story linking Kirk’s death to his property holdings, which was later pulled from the site, though a related version remained on a News Corp platform. A video tribute posted by former Spotlight producer Taylor Auerbach drew attention for its unconventional, emotional presentation.
In radio industry developments, Australian Radio Network has registered the domain kiis1023.com.au, fueling speculation that Adelaide FM station Mix 102.3 could be rebranded under the KIIS banner, potentially as part of a broader national expansion of the Kyle and Jackie O show. Mix 102.3 launched a new breakfast program, Hayley and Max in the Morning, earlier this year and finished third in the most recent FM ratings for Adelaide.
Digital publishing has also seen further turnover. BuzzFeed Australia confirmed the redundancy of writer and social producer Mark Mariano after 11 months with the outlet, following wider restructuring at Val Morgan Digital, which operates licences for sites including LADbible, GameSpot, BuzzFeed and Popsugar. Another staff departure at Val Morgan Digital included a lifestyle writer from The Latch.
At News Corp, Daily Telegraph reporter Elizabeth Pike will leave the paper’s state politics desk to join The Australian’s federal bureau in Canberra. Pike, who joined News Corp as a cadet in July 2023 and was named a finalist in the company’s Young Journalist of the Year awards, is among a series of recent moves by political reporters across the industry.
Corporate and political stories intersected with media coverage this week after ANZ announced a plan to cut 3,500 jobs and 1,000 contractor roles. The bank subsequently advertised for a workplace mental health and wellbeing specialist to support staff through the changes. The recruitment posting came days after the job-cut announcement.
The wave of stories and staff changes comes amid ongoing discussion about newsroom staffing models, audience shifts and the commercial pressures facing broadcast and digital outlets. Executives and staff continue to balance program and content strategies with geographic and logistical considerations as networks pursue audience growth, while journalists and contractors navigate a market with frequent role changes and reorganisations.