Liz Hayes has officially left Nine after more than four decades, marking the end of an era for the veteran journalist. However, just days after her departure, speculation is swirling that she has secured a lucrative three-year deal with Seven, reportedly worth $2 million.
Hayes, 68, was the face of 60 Minutes for nearly 30 years and helmed Under Investigation With Liz Hayes before its cancellation last year. Now, industry insiders claim she is set to join Spotlight, Seven’s flagship current affairs program, where she will reunite with former 60 Minutes colleagues Liam Bartlett and Michael Usher.
Liz Hayes hints at major career move
Shortly after announcing her departure, Liz Hayes took to Instagram to assure fans she was far from finished with journalism. She expressed her passion for storytelling and hinted at future projects, saying she planned to tell many more stories in the years to come.
A network source revealed that Hayes’ exit from Nine was a strategic decision, aligning her with Seven’s ambitions to reclaim the top spot in Australia’s fiercely competitive ratings war. The insider described her move as a significant gain for Seven, noting that Hayes’ credibility and experience could help propel Spotlight ahead of 60 Minutes.
Since Under Investigation With Liz Hayes was axed, speculation of behind-the-scenes tensions and cost-cutting at Nine had been widespread. Many believe these internal struggles contributed to her decision to leave, making her transition to Seven a well-calculated next step.
A fresh start with familiar faces
For Hayes, the move to Seven represents more than just a career shift—it’s a chance to continue her work alongside trusted colleagues in an environment that values her expertise. The source emphasized that reuniting with Bartlett and Usher at Spotlight would allow Hayes to bring compelling investigative journalism to Australian audiences once again.
Seven has yet to formally confirm Hayes’ addition to the Spotlight team, but the network is expected to make an official announcement in the coming weeks.
“This really is the beginning of a whole new chapter for Liz,” the insider said, adding that she will likely play a key role in Seven’s bid to dominate the ratings.
With a storied career that spans decades, Liz Hayes remains one of Australia’s most respected journalists. While Nine’s loss is undeniably significant, Seven appears to have gained a powerhouse in investigative reporting. As she embarks on this new venture, viewers can expect Hayes to continue delivering the hard-hitting stories that have defined her career.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Jaja’s career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including Business Times and Brigada. As a news editor, she covered a wide range of beats, including business, economy, cryptocurrency, and personal finance. Additionally, she has successfully managed teams of writers producing content on gaming, technology, and entertainment.
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