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Nine responds to 60 MINUTES story: “This is total fantasy”

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Budgets are tight and all the networks are feeling the pinch.

A report in the Sunday Telegraph from Briana Domjen today suggests the future of Nine’s flagship current affairs program 60 MINUTES is under a cloud. So much so they lean on unnamed ‘insiders’ for the scoop.

Nine’s National Director of News and Current Affairs Darren Wick was pretty strong in his e-mail response to staff:

“60 Minutes is one of the most important programmes on Nine’s schedule and one of Australian television’s most enduring and trusted public affairs brands.

“The story in today’s Sunday Telegraph newspaper and online sites suggesting the future of 60 Minutes is in doubt is just that. A story. A fairy-tale. It’s not a report. Reports are meant to be accurate. This is total fantasy. 

“I challenge the authenticity of the “insider” quoted in the story. Even the language of the quote, in my view, gives it away. Why would an “insider” say “they”? I submit that this source, if they even exist, is not currently from 60 Minutes, nor Nine. The story is wrong. It’s not merely a beat-up. It’s factually wrong. The reporter was told this by Nine yesterday but chose to write a piece they can never back up.

“Let me put this on the record with my name attached to it as a genuine and verifiable source.

“There has never been a discussion between executives at Nine about axing 60 Minutes. That position has never been considered by myself, the CEO nor anyone else who matters. NEVER. EVER.”

“It’s been part of our Sunday night ritual for four decades. It’s going to be on Nine a further four decades from now.

“The people who work on 60 Minutes are an extraordinary and wonderfully loyal family who take tremendous pride in the stories they produce and broadcast every week. Everyone at Nine is proud of our colleagues, the quality of their work and their passion for journalism.

“The story claiming our future is in doubt is misleading and wrong. We’re here to stay.”

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Steve Molk
Steve Molkhttps://tvblackbox.com.au/author-steve-molk/
Steve Molk is sharply focused on the business of TV in Australia across all its formats - FTA broadcast, commercial, subscription, catch up & BVOD. Based on the Central Coast of NSW he's a passionate advocate for Australian-made programming, particularly drama and comedy. He loves podcasting, gaming & watching too much TV. For all media enquiries please call or text 0401-709-405
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