Mark Burrows has been announced as the new permanent presenter of 9News Sydney’s Friday and Saturday 6pm bulletins.
Burrows will step into the role vacated by Georgie Gardner in April when the veteran journalist departed the Nine Network after more than two decades on air.
Burrows is no stranger to the network himself, with the trusted newsreader and reporter at the forefront of some of the biggest local and international stories of the past four decades.
“After so many years reporting for Channel 9, it’s a deep privilege to step into this role and continue bringing Sydney viewers the stories that matter,” Burrows said in a statement.
“9News has always been about trust, accuracy and connection with the audience, and I’m looking forward to continuing that tradition.”
The respected presenter is set to commence his role this week, joining 9News Sydney’s line-up led by Peter Overton and Deborah Knight. Burrows will also continue to file stories for 9News as Senior Correspondent.
“Mark is one of the most trusted and experienced journalists in the country,” Michael Best, Director of 9News Sydney, said in a statement.
“He has reported from the front lines and has an extraordinary ability to connect with viewers through clarity, credibility and calmness. We are thrilled to have him presenting 9News Sydney’s Friday and Saturday 6pm bulletins.”
The news of Gardner’s departure was announced in an email to staff in March from Nine News boss Fiona Dear, who described Gardner as loved and respected by audiences across the country.
“Her versatility as a journalist allowed her to take on reporting, hosting and presenting roles across the network, but it was her nine years on the Today show as newsreader and host that firmly established Georgie as a household name,” Dear said, as reported by The Daily Telegraph at the time.
Gardner presented her final bulletin on April 17 with an emotional final message to viewers.
“It has never been lost on me that this role comes with duty, a duty to be accurate, impartial and informative, but also to be human and sincere and respectful,” Gardner said.
“Since announcing my resignation, I have been humbled and overwhelmed by your messages. Such kindness, encouragement and goodwill feel particularly precious during these turbulent times, so thank you.”
Emotion clear in her voice, she added: “I’ll miss you, but I’m also so grateful to have experienced something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”
Read related topics:Sydney