Nine staff emailed with rule reminder in wake of Alex Cullen $50k prize scandal

Channel 9 has rushed to give staff a rule refresher after Today Show presenter Alex Cullen was ousted from the network in the wake of a $50k prize scandal.

Channel 9 has wasted no time in reminding staff of the rules governing commercial deals as part of the fallout from Alex Cullen accepting $50,000 from social media enthusiast Adrian Portelli for plugging his preferred new nickname on Today.

Cullen was axed by Nine on Friday following the network’s investigation into the payment.

The week prior Portelli had offered the first journalist to call him McLaren Guy, not Lambo Guy, on a live TV broadcast $50,000.

Cullen obliged on air on Today on Friday, January 17 with Portelli then posting a screengrab of a bank transaction claiming to show the money had been transferred to Cullen.

The money has since been refunded.

Fiona Dear, Nine’s director of news and current affairs, dispatched a missive to all staff on Friday telling them that the way they conduct themselves as broadcast journalists and on-air talent was vital to retaining viewer trust.

“Accordingly, we acknowledge that commercial arrangements, sponsorships and endorsements exist at most media companies, including Nine,” she wrote in an email seen by the Sunday Herald Sun.

“In line with our professional obligations, as well as Nine’s legal and regulatory obligations, these arrangements are permitted in certain circumstances, provided the appropriate disclosure occurs and that they are conducted in accordance with Nine’s policies and procedures.”

Alex Cullen was axed by Nine on Friday following the network’s investigation into the payment.

Billionaire Adrian Portelli gave Cullen $50k for plugging his preferred new nickname on Today. Picture: David Geraghty

Dear reminded staff of their professional and ethical obligations in relation to third-party deals, noting the Commercial Television Industry Code of Practice, and Nine’s Social Media Guidelines and Gift Policy.

“All Nine Group employees are required to adhere to these policies and remain up to date with any developments,” she wrote.

The MEAA Journalist Code of Ethics also sets professional standards for journalists.

Cullen had been part of the Today show for five years prior to his axing. His replacement as the show’s sports presenter and reporter is yet to be announced.