Married At First Sight is one of Nine’s most profitable assets, says interim CEO Matt Stanton

Nine’s interim chief executive officer Matt Stanton says the network’s controversial reality show – which has this season been overshadowed by a police investigation – is one of the media company’s most valuable assets.

Married At First Sight polarises public opinion but is a big money spinner for Nine.

Nine’s interim chief executive officer Matt Stanton says the network’s controversial reality show Married At First Sight — which has this season been overshadowed by a police investigation into a violent outburst by one of the contestants — is one of the media company’s most valuable assets.

On Friday, it was reported that the producers of the show, Endemol Shine Australia, and the Nine Network, were asked to co-operate with NSW Police on an official investigation into the actions of contestant Paul Antoine, who punched a hole in a wall during a fight with bride Carina Mirabile.

“The matter has been referred to officers from South Sydney Police Area Command, who have commenced an investigation,’ a NSW Police spokesman said last week.

“As the investigation is current, police will not be making any further comment in relation to the matter.”

It’s understood the investigation is ongoing, while Mr Antoine, 31, remains on the Nine show.

Now in its 12th season, MAFS has been the source of much controversy over the years, but last week’s incident is believed to be the first time that police have been called over an incident on set.

The incident came to light the day after The Australian spoke to Mr Stanton about the program.

Nine Entertainment acting chief executive Matt Stanton.

The interim CEO said MAFS was “the biggest show we have”.

“The appeal to me is the advertising dollars that we get from it. It’s probably one of the most profitable parts of the business,” Mr Stanton said.

Each episode of the program is watched by about three million people, across linear and BVOD platforms, making it the most popular program on Australian television, outside of prestige sporting events.

Mr Stanton claimed the “great” show offers valuable “insights” into Australian culture.

“It’s huge, the market likes it. But also I think from an Australian cultural point of view, it’s talked about everywhere,” he said.

“It’s an insight into other people’s lives, which is very interesting.

“I find it very entertaining.

“And also it is quite (a) good escape.

MAFS offers ‘insights’ into Australian culture, according to Nine’s Matt Stanton.

“You know, we all have very serious jobs so it’s quite good escapism for me personally.”

Mr Stanton has been acting in the role since former Nine boss Mike Sneesby departed the company last September. He remains the frontrunner to be appointed to the top position, although The Australian understands there is growing disquiet within the company about the lengthy recruitment process.

In handing down the company’s half-yearly results last week, Mr Stanton announced the media company was looking to execute “cost efficiencies” of $100m across its various media assets over the next two years, as it confronts the structural decline of its free-to-air television business and the chronic weakness of the advertising market.

Mr Stanton confirmed the restructure would involve job cuts across the business. In late October, just weeks after Mr Stanton was appointed interim CEO, he was forced to publicly address the company’s workplace review — the so-called Intersection report — which identified issues of systemic bullying, sexual harassment and misconduct in all divisions of the media giant.

The review made 22 recommendations, including the need for Nine to engage an independent external investigator for the next 12 months.

The review also recommended that the company develop an external process for complaints against board members and senior managers, and continued investment into an external complaints system.