They don’t call him Eddie Everywhere for nothing…
Australian television veteran Eddie McGuire is set to return to his original stomping ground at Channel 10 in a new deal that will see him become the face of the network’s Melbourne Cup carnival coverage while also remaining at Channel 9.
McGuire is set to sign a new deal with Channel 10 under an arrangement that will see him host the networks 4-day Melbourne Cup Carnival coverage.
Channel 10 holds broadcast rights to the prestigious Melbourne racing festival for two more years. Ratings for the broadcast have been down significantly in recent years due in part to increased competition from Sydney racing broadcast on Channel 7.
The move comes after McGuire recently signed a new 3-year agreement with Channel 9 under a new arrangement that allows the presenter/producer more freedom to appear on rival networks.
McGuire confirmed the new deal today telling The Australian;
“Yes, I can confirm that I continue what has been one of the great experiences of my life: working for the Nine network,”
The new deal will see McGuire remain at Nine as a presenter of afternoon quiz format Millionaire Hot Seat and AFL panel discussion program Footy Classified.
McGuire is also expected to increase his presence at Nine by taking on hosting duties for upcoming pay-per-view boxing events on Stan Sports.
The move to negotiate a new agreement with Channel 10 comes after a recent decision by Fox Footy to cut costs and part ways with McGuire. Foxtel had been paying a significant proportion of the multi-million dollar paycheck for the presenter under a shared employment arrangement with Channel 9.
While networks were once eager to ‘lock up” talent under lucrative exclusive deals, increased cost pressures have seen FTA channels increasingly willing to move to a “freelancer” model where talent are allowed to appear across various projects.
Sam Pang is currently working for ch7 (The Front Bar) and ch10 (HYBPA), while Hamish Blake and Andy Lee can appear on other networks when their shows are not airing on Ch9.
