Pete back in Sydney tonight.
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According to Inside Mail - some information on Jonathan Uptinâs disappearance from the screens last year.
The Brisbane-based autocue reader first found himself on managementâs radar for all the wrong reasons after complaints were made about his âerratic behaviourâ during the networkâs annual staff engagement surveys in 2023.
Things got worse after he flew into Sin City to cover the NRLâs showpiece U.S. match a year ago and Nine execs received even more complaints about his alleged conduct. Suffice to say the accusations were so concerning that Nineâs Queensland managing director Kylie Blucher requested Uptin undergo a workplace urine test - which he voluntarily agreed to do.
Uptin remained off work from late June to October 14 last year as Nine rigorously reviewed all the claims and counter-claims being strewn about the newsroom like confetti. The ugly allegations even derailed Uptinâs planned inclusion in Nineâs team heading to Paris to cover the Olympics last July, with the presenter pulled from the line-up just days out from the opening ceremony.
Uptin was ultimately completely cleared of any wrongdoing by the internal review, while the drug test found there was absolutely nothing untoward in his system (little wonder he had no problem with the request to take one).
While Uptinâs LinkedIn account still proudly proclaims he is the networkâs âSports Editor and Sport Newsreaderâ, he has lost the former half of that title with highly regarded reporter Adam Jackson replacing him as sports ed. Now to be fair, Uptin - who was once touted as a potential replacement for Karl Stefanovic on the Today show and remains on a $230,000 deal with the network - will continue to present the 6pm sports bulletin. But we heard nasty rumours emanating from Nine that it was a sign some of Uptinâs loftier ambitions (such as replacing the recently retired Lofthouse as lead anchor alongside Melissa Downes) were now well and truly out of reach.
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huh???
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Probably in 2019
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Emma Partridge back reporting for Nine have a long time off air.
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I saw that and thought it was the first time Iâve heard her for a while too. Welcome back Emma.
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Alison Piotrowski presented Wednesdays morning news and Sydneyâs afternoon news
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Tom Steinfort solo in Melbourne tonight. Alicia Loxley posted on Instagram this morning thatâs itâs her daughterâs 6th birthday today.
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Kate Creedon on weather in Sydney
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If my ears arenât deceiving me, I heard a report voiced by ex-Seven reporter Michael Scanlan this evening.
Spent time in both the Brisbane and Melbourne newsrooms while at Seven in the 00s and 10s.
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I wonder if an announcement is imminent regarding who will be joining Melissa Downes at the desk. Itâs been a good few months. They must be close to signing someone.
The ratings are still strong and they remain number 1 so I donât think its necessary
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They will still definitely replace Andrew in my opinion. They wouldnât want to risk Sarah returning to 7 with a massive campaign and them gaining ground while they scramble to find someone.
That seems hypothetical and Iâm not sure a âmassive campaignâ has the effect it perhaps once did
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I still think theyâll replace him.