Latest news with #NineNetwork
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Richard Wilkins celebrates 71st birthday in style with towering $150 chocolate cake adorned with strawberries
Channel Nine star Richard Wilkins celebrated his 71st birthday on Thursday. And his devoted colleagues at Today took to Instagram to share a touching tribute to the media veteran, who has been with a brekkie show for over three decades. Today posted a photo of Richard in a smart black suit posing alongside a lavish cake topped with strawberries, which included a message in chocolate icing, 'Happy Birthday Legend'. The delicious looking dessert priced at $150 also included a decoration styled as an '80s TV set complete with V-shaped antennae. And inserted into the television 'screen' was a throwback image of Richard sporting his trademark 'wave' haircut. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. The breakfast team from Nine also included a caption in the post, 'Happy birthday to the heart and soul of TODAY entertainment, our beloved Dickie! 'We hope your day is every bit as legendary as you are.' It comes after the TV stalwart opened up earlier this year about his 38 years working in television. And in a surprising twist the entertainment editor admitted he had a fair share of regrets. The Nine star, who began working for the network in 1987, revealed in January he wishes he tried harder to become a pop star. While he holds much pride in the TV work he has done over the years, the Weekend Today co-host told The Sunday Telegraph he regrets he stopped writing songs. 'I don't think I'd do too much differently, I was playing in bands and wanted to be an actor there for a while,' he said, when asked what he would change about his career. 'I wish I'd kept writing songs because I thought some of them were starting to get quite good and the comeback to that is, "Well it is never too late to stop."' 'But I had an opportunity that came along when television was in a great growth spurt and music television, MTV, came along and it was just a perfect combination of everything that I had done.' Richard went on to say his first gig on MTV when it launched on Nine in the late '80s came at the 'right time, right place', and he would never take it back. He said he 'worked really hard' and has 'enjoyed the majority' of his stint in television, even if it didn't shoot him to rock star status as he hoped it would. Despite being just a few years off his 40th anniversary with Nine, Richard doesn't appear to be slowing down any time soon. The TV presenter said he doesn't know what he would do with himself if he wasn't working. Richard has worked in breakfast television for many years and also hosts weekend radio on Smooth FM. On the side, the media personality is producing a movie and has plans to write a second book following his 2011 memoir Black Ties, Red Carpets, Green Rooms. He was an aspiring pop singer when he first started working in the entertainment industry while still living in New Zealand where he was born. But Richard said working for MTV was 'a perfect combination of everything I have done' previously in showbusiness. It seems the apple doesn't fall far from the tree as Richard's son Christian Wilkins landed the role of red carpet host for the prestigious ARIA Awards last November.
Sky News AU
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Sky News AU
Ex-Today show presenter Alex Cullen to join The Christian O'Connell Show as resident sports guru following shock dismissal
Axed Today show presenter Alex Cullen has landed a new gig in breakfast radio, joining GOLD FM's The Christian O'Connell Show as its resident 'sports guru'. The Melbourne-based program, part of the ARN network, confirmed Cullen's appointment on Thursday. He will step into the role previously held by longtime co-host Jack Post, who announced his departure in May. The move will see Cullen relocate from Sydney to Melbourne with his wife Bonnie and their three children, marking a fresh start just months after his abrupt exit from the Nine Network. In January, Cullen was dismissed by Nine after accepting a $50,000 cash reward from billionaire The Block personality Adrian Portelli. Portelli, 35, had publicly requested to be dubbed "McLaren man" rather than "Mr Lambo"- a nickname tied to his multiple appearances on the reality show. O'Connell revealed the news to listeners live on air, hinting at Cullen's recent media headlines: "We've got some exciting news on the show- we're bringing in someone new to be a part of our radio family," he said. "…Alex Cullen is a brilliant journalist who is actually looking for a job- you might recognise the name - that guy, who took the $50,000. "Now, Channel Nine might go, 'Listen, we can't have that', but commercial breakfast radio, we're very much up for payola. "Don't worry Alex, you've found a home here, my friend," he joked. In a statement shared by ARN, O'Connell said that Cullen "is a real talent and a very likeable guy". "I called him out of the blue a few weeks ago and we hit it off like old mates," the British radio star said. "He came over for a rigorous interview with me- that to onlookers may have looked like a long lunch with flowing red wine- but we bonded over being dads and a shared love of storytelling and how sport could be delivered on my show. "I can't wait for him to join my team and start working together." Cullen, 44, also expressed his enthusiasm about the new chapter in his career. "This is such an exciting next chapter for me. I actually started my career in radio, so to be coming back to it and joining a show that's so loved and so full of heart is a real thrill. "I can't wait to be on air with Christian, Pats and Rio, and to get to know Melbourne, my family and I are thrilled to be making it our new home." More to come.
News.com.au
4 days ago
- Sport
- News.com.au
Warren Tredrea's bizarre ‘gold and silver coin' claim, denies he's a sovereign citizen
Port Adelaide great Warren Tredrea's position on the Power's board has come under question after the premiership captain's bizarre comments in his court case with his former employer Channel 9. Tredrea had sought almost $6 million in lost wages from Channel 9 after he was sacked from his role as a TV sports presenter on 9News Adelaide in 2021 following a very public Covid-19 vaccine saga. Tredrea was ordered to pay all Channel 9's legal costs. He lost the trial and was ordered to pay costs between $100,000 and $200,000 for a failed appeal. FOX FOOTY, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every match of every round in the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season LIVE in 4K, with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer. But Tredrea told the Federal Court on Tuesday he cannot pay legal costs because he doesn't believe in Australian legal tender and would have to repay his former employer in precious metal. Representing himself Tredrea claimed there isn't sufficient gold or silver to cover Nine's legal costs, so he issued an IOU, a written promissory note. 'I believe only gold or silver coins in common circulation can pay a debt,' Tredrea said in court. The 46-year-old claimed the debt was 'discharged' because Nine did not respond to his request. Nine did not accept the promissory note as a valid form of payment. The former AFL great, who is now representing himself, stated in court documents that he is a 'private man' and not a 'legal person, citizen or resident', but he denied being a sovereign citizen. 'I answer to the name Warren Tredrea of South Australia, a private man, my yes be yes, my no be no,' Tredrea said in court. 'I am not an entity, legal person, citizen, resident or any form of creature of statute. 'I have not been provided with any material facts or evidence that shows there exists any lawful gold or silver coin of substance in common circulation upon which to close, pay and extinguish an account. 'I believe sincerely that none exists … I believe no gold or silver coin in circulation can pay a debt.' Speaking outside court on Tuesday, Tredrea disputed claims he identifies as a sovereign citizen. Asked if he recognised himself as an Australian citizen, Tredrea said: 'Absolutely I do. That's just a farcical approach and an attempt by Channel 9... they threatened to bankrupt me when these proceedings started and that's what they're trying to do now.' 'I am a citizen and they have already been paid from a legal form of payment, check all the Federal Acts.' The court ruled Tredrea's dismissal was 'not unreasonable' given his 'opinions' about vaccines 'were not particularly well-informed' nor 'soundly based'. Tredrea was initially spared paying Nine's costs, but he filed an appeal in November 2024, which the court denied. In April this year, it ordered Tredrea to pay Nine's costs of the appeal, stating his challenge was 'without reasonable cause'. Port Adelaide has declined to comment, telling Seven: 'The club won't be making any official statement as it considers this to be a private matter between Mr Tredrea and the Federal Court.' Tredrea and Nine will return to court at a later date, with a full court of three judges called before the matter can proceed. Tredrea's comments have concerned former AFL players and brought into question his position on Port Adelaide's board. Tredrea's premiership teammate Kane Cornes told Channel 7's Agenda Setters: 'I feel a bit sad that he's in that situation. I don't think anyone wants to be doorstopped out the front of court. 'It's not an ideal situation, owing money to someone. This isn't ideal for the Port Adelaide Football Club at all. They should be a bit stronger with what they are saying. 'Port Adelaide fans deserve a little more than that. There is an instability there. I think they needed to be a bit stronger there.' Caroline Wilson said: 'This is a highly sensitive situation. No one at Port Adelaide will comment.' Wilson added that Tredrea's contract with Adelaide radio station FIVEaa, owned by NOVA Entertainment, 'will be looked at very closely'. Luke Hodge added: 'Surely Port Adelaide would have concerns with a board member … they look unstable.' Wilson said: 'There's been concerns about some of the things Warren has been saying for some time. But at board level I've been assured his performance has been, if not strong, pretty good. 'He is closing doors within the Port Adelaide community, there's no doubt about that.'
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Weekend Today's Belinda Russell shares emotional message for co-host Roz Kelly after she lost coveted role to Danika Mason in reshuffle at Nine
Weekend Today's Belinda Russell has shared a heartfelt tribute to her longtime colleague and co-host Roz Kelly following her abrupt departure from the Nine Network. Taking to Instagram on Saturday, the breakfast TV presenter posted two photos marking their final bulletin together. In one image the pair are seen pulling silly faces on set with newsreader Mark Burrows, and a second close-up selfie of the smiling duo behind the news desk. 'Last news bulletin together (hopefully not forever). Miss you already,' Russell captioned the post alongside a broken chain emoji and red love heart. Roz's farewell comes just weeks after the popular presenter resigned from her role at Nine, ending a significant chapter with the network. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Her exit follows a major reshuffle behind the scenes, after Kelly was overlooked for the high-profile Today show sports presenter gig - a role that ultimately went to rising star Danika Mason. The decision came after former sports anchor Alex Cullen was sensationally axed in January after it emerged he accepted a $50,000 payment from controversial businessman Adrian 'Lambo Guy' Portelli. While many assumed Kelly was a frontrunner for the role, it's understood she was edged out after Mason received a glowing recommendation from none other than Peter V'landys, the influential ARL Commission boss. Mason's involvement in Nine's NRL coverage during their glitzy Las Vegas broadcast in March gave her an opportunity to rub shoulders with major league and media executives - and her efforts seemingly paid off. The move marks a major coup for Mason, who is currently in a relationship with former Bulldogs player Liam Knight, and is seen as one of Nine's rising talents in the sporting space. Meanwhile, sources claim Kelly has not yet secured a new role following her departure, sparking speculation about what's next for the seasoned sports journalist. Roz, who is married to South African cricketer Morne Morkel and shares two children with the sportsman, lived in Cape Town for five years, but moved back to Sydney following her husband's retirement from the sport. Today host Karl Stefanovic announced live on-air that Cullen had left the network following the incident with Portelli. 'As most of you are well aware, our colleague Alex Cullen has not been on air with us this past week,' a solemn Stefanovic told viewers at the time. 'There has been widespread reporting on the circumstances surrounding this - what I can say is that last night, Alex and Nine agreed that he would finish with the network. 'Alex has, of course, been part of the Today family for five years now, he's always ready with a smile and a laugh, and without hesitation speaking for all of us here, we can say that we are going to miss him terribly, that's for sure.' 'Alex is a terrific fella, what you see is what you get and he has been a great mate to all of us over these years and we wish Alex, his wife Bonnie and his beautiful kids all the very best for the future,' Stefanovic continued. A Nine spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia: 'Nine has agreed with Today presenter and journalist Alex Cullen that he will finish with the network following a review into a recent incident.' The scandal kicked off when Portelli, 35, had grown tired of his long-used nickname 'Mr Lambo' and offered the cash reward to the first person to use his new moniker 'McLaren Man' on air, with Cullen obliging on the Today show just over a week after. The Block entrepreneur then posted what appeared to be a bank transfer of $50,000 to the presenter on Instagram. Accepting cash, gifts or benefits to undermine journalistic independence, and improperly using a journalistic position for personal gain, are both breaches of the journalism code of ethics as defined by the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance union. The ill-advised stunt led to Cullen being suspended by Nine and he did not appear on the show while the network investigated the payment. The sum has been donated to charity by Portelli.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Peter V'landys floats $3 billion change to Origin amid complaint from Karl Stefanovic
NRL boss Peter V'Landys has told Yahoo Sport Australia overseas streaming services risk being left behind in the "arms race" for subscribers if they ignore rugby league. It comes amid a spray from Karl Stefanovic about streaming services locking many Aussie fans out of popular sports. PVL's warning comes as the NRL prepares to ramp up negotiations with interested parties ahead of the NRL's next broadcast deal, starting in 2028. V'Landys has made no secret of the fact he is chasing a ground-breaking deal for the game on the back of strong viewing figures. He is hopeful of landing a $3 billion pay day for the code. The NRL's current free-to air partner, the Nine Network, is expected to again bid but there is uncertainty over whether pay-tv outlet Fox Sports will put its hand up. The company's new owner – UK-based DAZN – is yet to declare its intentions, while the likes of Prime Video and Netflix could launch bids. "If any of them want to have a presence in Australia they need sport and, in particular, rugby league," V'landys told Yahoo Sport Australia. "It's the most watched sport in Australia and growing in the Pacific and has unlimited potential for coverage internationally." Prime Video, which will become the home of the NBA in Australia next season as well as being the go-to destination for cricket's World Test Championship and major white-ball tournaments, is understood to be interested in adding rugby league to its growing sports catalogue. Prime's managing director of sports international, Alex Green, kept his cards close to his chest when asked if the streaming giant is interested in bidding for NRL rights. He told YSA: "I've been asked this so many times. We never discuss future rights. It's too hard to speculate. "We're really happy with our ICC package, and, of course, with the NBA coming that's where our focus is." The NRL has not ruled out splitting up the rights and packaging rep games and other marquee matches separate to regular season fixtures. "We have to look at all formats and that's one of them," V'landys said. "The jewel in the crown is State of Origin and there's other channels (interested). Ideally, we'd like it all in one package, but if you look at the NFL and how they do it - and they're very successful - we'll analyse it and watch it. Whatever maximises our return." While V'landys is hunting a record deal, he is also mindful of the need to keep fans engaged by offering both free-to-air and affordable streaming options. RELATED: NRL 'robbery' leaves fans incensed amid fresh fears for Roosters star Fans rage over 'ridiculous' Bunker drama amid star's horror blow Calls for immediate change amid apparent NSW rule breach Meanwhile, TV personality Stefanovic has unloaded on streaming services locking in Australian sporting content at the same time Prime Video is celebrating a huge audience surge on the back of its World Test Championship coverage. The Today Show co-host teed off after the Socceroos' secured World Cup qualification following a 2-1 win over Saudi Arabia in Riyadh on Wednesday morning (AEST), claiming fans lost out due to the lack of free-to-air coverage. The match was only available to Paramount Plus subscribers. Using a streaming service is fast becoming a common trend for overseas events featuring Australian sporting teams, including Channel 9's own Stan Sport. But that didn't stop Stefanovic from letting fly in an early morning rant. He said of the Socceroos game: "The problem is we don't even know the game's on. These foreign-owned streaming services give no promotion to the game so the rest of us have to sign up for 25 bucks a month to watch our national team play in a World Cup qualifier. I'm blaming foreign-owned streaming services. They have to have something on free-to-air." While not responding directly to Stefanovic's rant, Managing Director of Prime Video Sport International, Alex Green, believes audiences are becoming more attuned to watching their favourite sporting code on a streaming service. Prime Video has exclusive rights to major ICC tournaments and finals until 2027, including the WTC decider currently being played between Australia and South Africa at Lord's. "We don't see ourselves as a barrier to people," London-based Green told YSA. "We think we're exceptional value. It's very easy to sign up to Prime to watch the cricket or try some of the other content. "We don't really see ourselves as this high-cost sports subscription service…we're much broader, much more accessible, much wider, much broader than that. Almost everywhere we've seen the reception being really positive. "The value, the access, the ease of watching on any device and also, just frankly, the way that we cover this, the way we deliver it is really good too." Prime's figures back that up, with a huge influx of cricket fans signing up for the Champions Trophy in March and strong numbers jumping on board for the WTC final. The award-winning series The Test proved the perfect entrée into Prime's expanded cricket coverage.
