Nine boss hits out at Lisa Wilkinson, says money could be invested in junior journalists

CHANNEL Nine has hit back at Lisa Wilkinson’s dramatic defection, revealing its star was demanding $2.3 million and spreading herself too thin with rival commercial commitments, with one executive declaring co-host Karl was “worth more”.

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CHANNEL Nine has hit back at Lisa Wilkinson’s dramatic defection, revealing its marquee star was demanding $2.3 million and was spreading herself too thin with rival commercial commitments.

The revelations follow Wilkinson’s move from the network to Ten over the pay dispute amid claims Nine was offering her $1.8 million, short of her Today ­co-host Karl Stefanovic’s $2 million a year deal.

However, network chief executive Hugh Marks last night told The Daily Telegraph the deal broke down after the two parties reached a stalemate “months and months ago”.

Lisa Wilkinson outside her home yesterday following her shock resignation from the Nine network. Picture: John Grainger

Marks said Wilkinson had “multiple commercial contracts”, prohibiting the network’s full access to her.

He cited Wilkinson’s contract with niche website The Huffington Post as limiting her value to the network.

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“The reason we walked away from Lisa is because we are not able to secure those rights (across all areas) with her,” Marks said.

“She has a number of commercial rights with other parties. Her arrangement with The Huffington Post restricts our ability to engage with her digitally ... We are ­restricted from engaging with her also on social media.

Karl Stefanovic arrives back at his Mosman home yesterday.

“I hate the fact we have to compare her with Karl (Stefanovic) but with him we have all those rights. With Lisa we do not.”

Marks said Wilkinson didn’t want to work with Nine in the same way.

“I went to an incredible amount of trouble to build that ($1.8 million) package for her. She wanted $2.3 million. It wasn’t a $200,000 shortfall to (Karl’s) $2 million magic number. It was $500,000.”

Marks said he could “invest that money in junior journalists coming into the business”.

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Today showed our front page from yesterday on air.

The Huffington Post ­arrangement — believed to be worth six figures — has caused increasing friction between Wilkinson and Nine as the TV network wanted to boost its own digital platforms, such as Nine Honey.

Karl is worth more money. That’s just a fact -NINE EXECUTIVE

Sources told The Daily Telegraph Nine grew frustrated when Wilkinson filed stories about her personal life, such as the time she broke her arm while on holiday in ­Europe, to Huffington Post rather than their own ­channels.

Thanks so much to everyone for all your lovely messages. I have some more news. This statement is from @channelten. I'm absolutely thrilled. pic.twitter.com/7bN9s9TUHn

— Lisa Wilkinson (@Lisa_Wilkinson) October 16, 2017

Nine was last night scrambling to make a plan to replace Wilkinson as rival network Ten rushed to ink her contract — a deal that was finalised over the phone on ­Monday.

Ten is yet to announce its expansive plans for its newest recruit who insiders say will became the highest paid female star on Australian TV on her new contract — believed to be worth over $2 million.

Lisa Wlkinson’s partner Peter FitzSimons, pictured outside the couple’s Neutral Bay home yesterday, said his wife was enjoying a sleep in. Picture: John Grainger

To justify the huge payment, Wilkinson’s role is expected to be expanded from The Project and The Sunday Project, the two programs Ten has confirmed, when she starts in January 2018.

Nine’s relationship with Wilkinson and her tough-talking agent Nick Fordham has been under pressure for some time. But Nine sources were quick to reject claims of a ­gender pay gap yesterday ­saying Stefanovic worked longer hours and earned the difference.

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“As the host of two shows, Today and This Time Next Year, as well as a contributor to 60 Minutes and a specialist news reporter, Karl is worth more money. That’s just a fact,” said a Nine executive.

The life and times of Karl & Lisa

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“Lisa was offered a very good deal. (CEO) Hugh has gone above and beyond to keep her. He inherited this position from the previous CEO ­(departed boss David Gyngell).”

A source close to Wilkinson said she too contributed to other programs at Nine, including its election coverages.

As Nine reeled from the shock loss yesterday, Wilkinson spent the day with her family, visited her mother to assure her all was well.

“I’ve always been a very hard worker and I’ve always been proud of my work and I’ve loved every single job I’ve ever had. I feel very privileged with all the opportunities I’ve been afforded over the years,” she said outside her home.

Her husband Peter FitzSimons gave a clue Wilkinson was blindsided when Marks refused to budge on his offer, tweeting: “That’s my Mrs. Got a new job in 45 minutes.” He deleted the tweet.

Stefanovic also addressed his co-host’s departure briefly on air yesterday.

After showing The Daily Telegraph front page on air, he later thanked her for her “laughs, sage advice and calmness”.

Originally published as Nine boss hits out at Lisa Wilkinson, says money could be invested in junior journalists