Channel Nine Cracks Down on Staff After Portelli-Cullen Scandal

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According to reports, Channel Nine has allegedly tightened its rules for employees following the dismissal of Alex Cullen from the Today show.

44-year-old Cullen was let go from his position at the station last Friday, following his acceptance of a $50,000 bribe from potential buyer Adrian ‘Mr Lambo’ Portelli.

(The sentence is rephrased to provide a more conversational tone and make it easier to read.)

After the surprising announcement, the network issued a gentle nudge to all staff members regarding their respective work duties or responsibilities.

On Friday, an email from Fiona Dear, who oversees news and current events at Channel 9, was shared with the entire team, as reported in Sunday’s Herald Sun.

In a message to employees, Dear magazine emphasized that it’s crucial for broadcast journalists and on-screen personalities to behave appropriately to preserve the public’s trust in the network.

In the email, Dear stated that it’s common knowledge that many media companies, such as Nine, have business deals, sponsorships, and endorsements.

According to both our ethical work requirements and Nine’s legal and compliance rules, these arrangements can be allowed under specific situations. However, it is crucial that full disclosure takes place and all actions adhere to Nine’s guidelines and operational practices.

In his letter, it was stated that everyone on the team should adhere to both the principles outlined in the Commercial Television Industry’s Code of Ethics and Practice, as well as Nine’s Social Media Guidelines and Gift Policy.

She wrote that every team member at Nine Group must follow these policies and stay informed about any updates or changes.

Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Nine for comment. 

Following Karl Stefanovic’s live on-air announcement on Friday morning, it was revealed that Cullen had departed from the network.

Last week, the presenter who’s been with Today for five years received a substantial amount from the wealthy Block entrepreneur, as they were the first media figure to publicly refer to him as ‘McLaren Man’ during their live broadcast.

It’s important to note that our team member, Alex Cullen, hasn’t been appearing on the air with us during the last week, as Stefanovic informed the audience somberly.

It’s become quite common to read about the details leading up to it, but here’s what I can share: Last night, Alex and the network came to an agreement that he will no longer be associated with them.

For the past five years, Alex has been an integral member of our Today family, consistently bringing a positive attitude with his ever-present smile and laughter. It is without question that we will deeply miss him when he leaves us. This much is certain.

‘Alex is an exceptional individual, genuine in every way. He’s been a wonderful friend to us all throughout these years, and we extend our warmest wishes to him, his lovely wife Bonnie, and their adorable children for a bright and prosperous future.’

According to a representative from Channel Nine, they have reached an agreement with Alex Cullen, who is a host on The Today Show and a journalist, that he will part ways with the network after a review concerning a recent event has been conducted.

The controversy began when Portelli grew weary of his frequently used alias ‘Mr Lambo’ and proposed a financial incentive for the first individual to utilize his fresh nickname during live broadcasts. On the Today show last Friday, Cullen fulfilled this request.

Afterward, the Block entrepreneur seemingly made a bank transaction of $50,000 to the host, which he shared on Instagram.

Violating journalistic integrity by accepting money, presents, or advantages that compromise impartiality, and misusing a journalist’s role for personal profit, are both unacceptable actions, according to the ethical guidelines established by the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance union.

Due to a risky action, Cullen was temporarily removed from Nine’s lineup while they looked into a questionable payment. Meanwhile, Portelli chose to give the money to charity instead.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Adrian Portelli for comment.

On a Tuesday, Cullen reappeared on social platforms, posting a heartfelt birthday message for his daughters on Instagram.

He shared a collection of delightful photos featuring his twin girls, Audrey and Evie, as they celebrated their 6th birthday.

On a particular occasion, Alex, who is married to Bonnie and has three kids together, posted pictures of their son Max, aged three, spending a relaxed family moment on that significant day.

In a caption, he gushed: ‘Happy birthday to my darling girls Audrey and Evie.’

Though he didn’t discuss the Portelli scandal, there was backing from his fans who expressed their anticipation in the comments that he would resume broadcasting shortly.

1st person: “I’m skipping Channel Nine on your birthday.” (Implies that they will be missing Channel 9 due to the other person’s birthday.)
2nd person: “I miss you so much! You are absolutely amazing! I wish you were Channel 9 so I could wake up to you every day.” (Suggests that the person is longing for the company of the other, comparing their affection to the importance of waking up to Channel 9.)

A different individual remarked: ‘Beautiful young ladies! I can hardly believe they are six years old now! Caught wind of the office turmoil. Wishing for a swift resolution to the issues.’

In a message, someone wrote: “Avoid 9 until your return!” Another person also said: “Wishing you a happy birthday, dear girls! We can’t wait for you to come back to number 9 very soon.

His Nine co-stars Karl and Belinda Russell also sent birthday messages to his two daughters.

While Cullen was away from the Today show, Clint Stanaway took over as a live reporter from Melbourne, covering the Australian Open tennis tournament for Channel Nine.

Regardless of Portelli’s assertion that Cullen had always planned to donate the funds to charity, Nine chose to sever ties with Cullen regardless.

In a post, Portelli disclosed that he received donations totaling $25,000 which were then given to The Salvation Army and The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) on his behalf.

Alex Cullen acted as your representative, pledging $25,000 each to The Salvation Army and The RSPCA, as he announced on Instagram.

I haven’t said much about my situation with Alex, but it’s important to note that prior to him receiving any communication from Channel 9, we already had a discussion where he expressed his intention to give away the funds.

‘That speaks volumes about his character. Alex, you’re an absolute gentleman.

If it turns out that Chapter 9 has to part ways with you (and I sincerely hope that won’t happen!), I would eagerly welcome the opportunity to work together on a project with you. You’re top-notch, my friend!

Initially, Portelli earned the unflattering moniker ‘Mr Lambo’ when he arrived at the 2022 event for the renowned home renovation series The Block, driving a bright yellow Lamborghini.

Five years back, Cullen became a part of Today during its re-launch. Initially, he focused on sports reporting, but when Tracy Vo left the program and went back to 9News Perth, he assumed the news anchor role.

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2025-01-27 07:08