Channel Nine gets tough with staff as fallout from Portelli-Cullen scandal sends shockwaves through the network
Channel Nine gets tough with staff as fallout from Portelli-Cullen scandal sends shockwaves through the network
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Channel Nine has reportedly cracked down on staffers after dropping the axe on Today presenter Alex Cullen. Cullen, 44, lost his job at the station on Friday after accepting $50,000 from Block bidder Adrian 'Mr Lambo' Portelli. The network followed the shocking news with a reminder to all employees about their 'professional obligations'.
![[Cullen, 44, lost his job at the station on Friday after accepting $50,000 from Block bidder Adrian 'Mr Lambo' Portelli (pictured). The network followed the shocking news with a reminder to all employees about their 'professional obligations'.]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/27/01/94544539-14328011-image-m-20_1737940897011.jpg)
Nine's director of news and current affairs, Fiona Dear, sent the message via email to all staff on Friday, reported Sunday's Herald Sun. Quoting from the note to staff from Dear, the publication said the network boss wanted to remind 'broadcast journalists and on-air talent' that how they conducted themselves was 'vital' in maintaining trust with the viewing public.
![[The network followed the shocking news with a reminder to all employees about their 'professional obligations'. Nine's director of news and current affairs, Fiona Dear, sent the message via email to all staff on Friday reported Sunday's Herald Sun]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/27/01/94544557-14328011-image-a-21_1737940949003.jpg)
'Accordingly, we acknowledge that commercial arrangements, sponsorships and endorsements exist at most media companies, including Nine,' Dear said in the email. Channel Nine has cracked down on staffers after dropping the axe on Today presenter Alex Cullen. (Pictured).
![[Today host Karl Stefanovic made the announcement that Cullen had left the network live on-air on Friday morning. Pictured: Today co-hosts Karl Stefanovic and Sarah Abo]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/27/01/94451835-14328011-Today_host_Karl_Stefanovic_made_the_announcement_that_Cullen_had-a-22_1737940971469.jpg)
Cullen, 44, lost his job at the station on Friday after accepting $50,000 from Block bidder Adrian 'Mr Lambo' Portelli (pictured). The network followed the shocking news with a reminder to all employees about their 'professional obligations'. '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.'.
![[Nine's parting of ways with Cullen went ahead despite Portelli's claim that Cullen intended the money to be paid to charity all along]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/27/01/94544563-14328011-image-a-23_1737941103026.jpg)
