Nine apologises for defaming Andrew Laming

The broadcaster's apology was read by Dr Laming's barrister Sue Chrysanthou SC during a brief hearing in the Federal Court on Tuesday.

"9News has now seen material which indicated that the photograph Dr Laming took was not lewd in nature," the publisher said.

"9News unreservedly withdraws those allegations about Dr Laming and apologises to him and his family for the hurt and harm caused by the report."

The exact dollar amount paid to Dr Laming is not known as the settlement remains confidential. Justice Robert Bromwich did not order that Nine pay the former federal Liberal MP's legal costs of the dispute however.