The self-destruction of Nine Entertainment chairman Peter Costello has been well ventilated through the rivalry of Australia’s traditional media companies and Mr Costello’s history as a politically forceful federal Liberal Treasurer.

Video footage suggests, but does not prove, that Mr Costello contributed to a pesky journalist from The Australian ending up sprawled on his back in Canberra Airport. But the Nine chairman could, and should, have at least checked that the journalist was unharmed and helped him to his feet.