Clint Stanaway, a well-known presenter, has announced his departure from Channel 9 after nearly 25 years with the network. The 42-year-old sports and news journalist, recognized for hosting Weekend Today and serving as the weekend sports presenter for 9News Melbourne, revealed his decision stems from personal health concerns and a desire for a better work-life balance.
In September, Stanaway confirmed he would resign from his television roles to focus on his full-time position in radio and pursue a healthier lifestyle. As he prepares to conclude his commitments with Channel 9 by the end of the year, he has shared the toll that his demanding schedule took on his well-being.
During an interview on the Big Bros podcast, Stanaway described experiencing “significant burnout” from juggling multiple roles, including his responsibilities as a newsreader for the Melbourne breakfast radio show Jase & Lauren. He called the decision to leave “really tough,” emphasizing the need to regain control of his life.
“I was getting sick a lot, pushing the envelope,” Stanaway stated. “I had really bad gut issues, I was getting headaches, and I wasn’t sleeping well, which is ironic because I was so tired but just couldn’t sleep.” He added that he faced scary physical symptoms, including chest pain and anxiety.
The relentless pace of his work life left little room for social interactions, furthering his sense of distress. “When I finished work, I was going home because I was exhausted. I’d sit on the couch, go to bed,” he recounted. “Every day was set—an alarm, go to bed, wake up, go to work, sometimes radio and TV on the same day, come home at seven o’clock, make my dinner, sit on the couch, go to bed. That was all I was doing.”
Career Overview and Future Plans
Stanaway began his career in television with WIN in Bendigo before joining 9News as a reporter in 2005. He later became the weekend sports presenter and, in 2019, transitioned to hosting Weekend Today. In 2021, he took on the role of newsreader for the breakfast radio show Jase & Lauren, continuing with the team as they moved to NOVA in 2024.
Stanaway’s departure from Channel 9 raises questions about who will take over the Weekend Today hosting duties. While Channel 9 has yet to announce a permanent replacement, Dan Anstey, the weather presenter since 2022, will temporarily fill the role during the summer break, alongside Lara Vella, Michael Atkinson, and Lizzie Pearl. Other potential candidates include Tim Davies and Gavin Morris, who have co-hosted in the past.
As Stanaway transitions into radio full-time, he remains committed to achieving a healthier work-life balance, reflecting a growing awareness of the importance of mental and physical well-being in high-pressure careers. His candid discussion about burnout resonates with many, highlighting the need for individuals to prioritize their health amid demanding professional schedules.
