The Nine Network is in turmoil after announcing the sudden axing of TODAY presenter Alex Cullen.
The decision comes after a review into a “recent incident” that sparked controversy and debate among viewers and industry insiders.
What Happened?
It all started when Melbourne billionaire Adrian Portelli offered a cash prize to the first TV presenter to refer to him as “McLaren guy” on air.
Portelli was apparently tired of being called “Lambo guy” after showing up to an auction on The Block in a yellow Lamborghini.
Cullen took the bait and worked the new moniker into his cross on the TODAY show, earning himself a $50,000 payout from Portelli.
The Exchange That Sparked the Controversy
The exchange, which can be seen in the video above, shows Cullen chatting with hosts Karl Stefanovic and Sarah Abo about celebrity spotting.
When mentioning Portelli, Cullen referred to him as “the McLaren guy”, prompting Stefanovic to joke about splitting the $50,000 prize.
Unbeknownst to viewers, this lighthearted moment would ultimately lead to Cullen’s downfall.
The Aftermath
Cullen was suspended pending an investigation, and the network has now decided to terminate his contract.
While some industry insiders believed Cullen should be sacked for breaking the MEAA Journalist Code Of Ethics, others were more forgiving, seeing it as a stupid mistake rather than a sackable offense.
A Divisive Issue
The incident has sparked a divisive debate about journalistic ethics and personal gain. While Cullen’s actions may have been seen as a harmless prank, they ultimately compromised his journalistic integrity.
As one industry insider noted, “It was a stupid thing to do, but he shouldn’t be sacked.”
However, Nine’s decision suggests that the network takes these incidents seriously and will not tolerate behavior that undermines its values.
A Lesson Learned
The incident serves as a reminder that even the most lighthearted moments can have serious consequences.
As the media landscape continues to evolve, journalists and presenters must be mindful of their actions and ensure they adhere to the highest standards of ethics and integrity.
For Cullen, this mistake has come at a significant cost, but it may also serve as a valuable lesson for others in the industry.