Things Channel Nine Doesn’t Like: Showing Whole Series Chronologically, Local Content, Maternity Leave
It’s been a red letter year for women in Australian news broadcasting, as its become patently obvious that network bosses don’t like their female presenters to be either a) older than about 28 or b) pregnant, and option b) has caused the latest ruckus at Channel Nine.
Newsreader Christine Spiteri took maternity leave this year after the birth of her son and was due to return early next year, but has been informed that her contract will not be renewed – and she is now looking to sue the network. Not only that, but it’s alleged that network bosses even resorted to playing an apparent race card in knocking her back.
After being informed yesterday her contract would not be renewed, Spiteri was allegedly told by Nine news chief John Westacott “with a surname like Spiteri you should try SBS”.…She is expected to launch legal proceedings with the help of lawyer John Laxon, who acted for former Nine news chief Mark Llewellyn.
“I have been retained to act for Christine Spiteri in relation to some employment law and maternity issues,” Mr Laxon said yesterday.
So, all in all, it’s sounding like a whole bunch of great PR on the part of Channel Nine – sacking a new mother and telling her to eff off to the “ethnic” station!
Still the one? Not likely!
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Comments
With breasts like hers she ought to try my house!*
-T
*totally uncalled for- though I used to sit fascinated watching Christine when she was US correspondent. The more tragic the story- the bigger the push up bra and the more cleavage. Every time the terror alert went to orange, so to did the alert level in my pants**
**also uncalled for. But true.