Channel Nine announces veteran presenter as Georgie Gardner's replacement

Mark Burrows has been confirmed as the new presenter of 9News Sydney's Friday and Saturday 6pm bulletins, taking over from Georgie Gardner following her departure from the network earlier this year.

Burrows steps into the weekend chair after Gardner's exit ended her run at the helm of the bulletin, capping off a long career with Nine that included major presenting roles across both news and Today.

One of Nine's most experienced journalists, he has reported from the front lines of major global events including the Bali bombings, the Iraq War, the Sydney Olympics, Afghanistan and Ukraine, as well as major domestic breaking news over four decades.

The journalist has also been recognised with several major industry awards, including a Logie for his coverage of the 1990 Romanian Revolution and a Walkley Award for his reporting on the 1999 Interlaken canyoning disaster in Switzerland. 

Nine's Director of News, Michael Best, said Burrows brings calm authority and credibility to the desk.

'Mark is one of the most trusted and experienced journalists in the country. He has reported from the frontlines and has an extraordinary ability to connect with viewers through clarity, credibility and calmness,' he said.

'We are thrilled to have him presenting 9News Sydney's Friday and Saturday 6pm bulletins.'

Burrows said he was honoured to accept this new gig: '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,' he said. 

'9News has always been about trust, accuracy and connection with the audience, and I'm looking forward to continuing that tradition.'

He will anchor the Friday and Saturday 6pm editions alongside his ongoing work as senior correspondent for 9News.

It comes after Gardner's final 9News Sydney bulletin last month, where the veteran broadcaster, 55, fought back tears as she signed off after more than three decades in the industry.

'Watching that reel is a reminder of what hideous hair I've had over the years... also how much fun I've had,' she quipped, after a montage of her career played.

She went on to reflect on the responsibility of delivering the news, describing it as 'an enormous privilege' and thanking viewers for their trust over the years.

The veteran broadcaster was almost overcome with emotion as she bid farewell to viewers.

Weather presenter Sophie Walsh spoke about the influence she had on her own career.

'Tonight [is] a sad night for all of us here at Nine, as Georgie, you read your last bulletin. The place isn't going to be the same without you – I'm going to get a little emotional here,' Sophie said, fighting back tears. 

Prior to her final farewell, a montage package played, showing highlights from Gardner's long and storied career as Cold Chisel's Ian Moss played the classic Georgia On My Mind over the footage.

An emotional Georgie said that she was 'blown away' by her colleagues' words.

'The pace and the complexity of the news cycle, and how delivering it to you, has been just such an enormous privilege,' she said. 

Gardner announced her departure in March, thanking Nine for her long and varied career, and expressing her gratitude to colleagues and viewers.