Nine Maternity Row: Network Boss Weighs In

We told you yesterday about the latest bad blood brewing at the Nine network (reporter Christine Spiteri suing the station after she was sacked following maternity leave).

Now Nine bossman David Gyngell has thrown himself into the ring, chastising his head of news for that little “SBS” outburst – and yet, supporting the decision to sack Spiteri.

Why don’t you try SBS, boning, you name it – at least Nine are still the one when it comes to dreaming up hilarious industry catchphrases!

Network chief David Gyngell has labelled his own news boss “a f…ing idiot” for telling dumped reporter Christine Spiteri she would be better off at SBS.

Sources yesterday confirmed that Gyngell blasted news chief John Westacott for telling the Maltese reporter that “with a surname like Spiteri you should try SBS” as he told her her contract would not be renewed – while she was on maternity leave.

…While Gyngell yesterday blasted Westacott over his SBS comment, he is believed to have backed his decision.

“Gyngell is trying to put an end to all this business of people negotiating their contracts through fear – he’s drawing a line in the sand,” the source said.

Who to believe? While our inclination is to generally come out guns blazing on the side of girl power, maybe what the boss sez is true – perhaps, despite her devotion to the network, she really wasn’t cut out for being a newsreader (as that’s the word – she wanted it, they said she’d never make it).

In any case someone’s going to end up boned in this situation and then there’ll be tears before bedtime!