Former Nine News boss Amanda Paterson denied claims she benefited from the network’s staff discount despite being abruptly dismissed.
The longstanding Queensland News Director accepted a 50 per cent discount at high-end fashion store Carla Zampatti, six months after she was axed.
Paterson was enjoying lunch with two friends in Brisbane in May when they decided to visit the boutique in New Farm.
Before heading to the counter, they chose $4000 worth of designer clothes, including a velvet suit and two jackets.
According to The Australian, some sources claim Paterson then asked the store for 50 per cent off.
She denies these claims, explaining that the sales assistant recognised her and offered her the discount.
Former Nine News boss Amanda Paterson has been accused of benefiting from the network’s staff discount despite being brutally sacked
‘I had never been to that store before, the salesperson said she recognised me from a previous Carla Zampatti fashion parade where I was at a Nine table, then she offered me a discount,’ she said.
‘I did not claim to be working at Nine.’
‘I wish I had known earlier that particular store gave Nine staff a discount. I could have been saving money there for years,’ she added.
Paterson left her role at Nine in November last year, with a source confirming her departure to Daily Mail Australia at the time.
Kate Donnison assumed the role on a short-term basis until QTQ EP Brendan Hockings returned from his annual leave.
Beginning her career as a 19-year-old reporter, Paterson swiftly rose through the ranks, becoming a renowned investigative journalist with three Walkley Award nominations and multiple Queensland Media Awards.
Her fearless approach to reporting led to hard-hitting exposés, including investigations into medical negligence, sports misconduct, and even a murder confession captured on camera, which led to a successful cold case resolution.
During her tenure, Paterson played a pivotal role in revitalising the Queensland bureau, mentoring a new generation of journalists and earning the trust of viewers.
The longstanding QTQ News Director accepted a 50 per cent off discount at high-end fashion store Carla Zampatti
She also led her team to consistent ratings success in one of Australia’s most competitive media markets, according to TVBlackbox.
The termination came despite Nine News recording one of its most successful ratings years in Queensland in a decade under her leadership.
Paterson later claimed she was unceremoniously sacked by the broadcaster via video call by the network’s national news director, Fiona Dear, in a matter of minutes, despite clocking up more than three decades of loyal service.
