‘False, isn’t happening, won’t happen’: Nine news boss rubbishes report claiming it is looking to replace Today EP Mark Calvert
Nine news boss Darren Wick has rubbished claims he is seeking to replace Mark Calvert the executive producer of the Today Show, with Studio 10 boss Rob McKnight.
In an angry note to staff this morning Wick took umbrage at what he labelled a “disgraceful” report in today’s The Australian which said Nine was looking for a replacement.
“I am taking a stand against a disgraceful article in this morning’s The Australian newspaper,” he said, referencing the Media Diary piece by media editor Sharri Markson.
“In a media section column, it was alleged that I was looking to replace Mark Calvert as the Executive Producer of Today, with Rob McKnight from Studio 10.
“This is false. Isn’t happening. Won’t happen. I’m not replacing Mark. In fact, I expect him to continue in this role for a long time.”
Nine says it was not approached comment about the article, which comes at a time when both breakfast shows have made a renewed push for viewers. Markson however said she texted and called Wick yesterday and stood by the story.
Sunrise recently had its team travel around the world with a five countries in five days broadcast while Nine has this week launched a “We Love Australia Week” in response to the Seven push.
On the ratings contest between Today and Sunrise Wick noted: “Under Mark’s direction this year, Today is giving Sunrise a red-hot run for its money. And they know it at Seven.
“Today is poised to win the ratings year in Sydney – the industry’s biggest and most lucrative market in terms of advertising revenue. In Melbourne, it’s a daily arm-wrestle. And Today is going down to the wire in the race to win the year in Brisbane.
“This is already our best result in almost 15 years in that market. Winning Brisbane, as history has shown, is the key to turning the momentum in our favour.”
Comment has also been sought from Rob McKnight who has led Ten’s Morning show Studio 10 since its launch in 2013.
In the email to staff Wick notes that he respects McKnight, who is a former head of promotions at the TV Network.
“Rob McKnight is a good operator who did a great job for us when he was at Nine. I would love, one day, to see him back at Nine. But, I’ve never offered him the role of executive producer at Today.”
According to Nine, Calvert has recently signed a new two year contract.
Speaking to Mumbrella, about the ratings contest between the two shows earlier this month Sunrise EP Michael Pell denied the five countries in five days broadcast was an attempt to hold Nine off.
“Was this formulated as a ratings strategy? Well everything is a ratings strategy,” said Pell.
“Is it an attempt to win back viewers? No. We just want to give them something fun to watch and this was well in the works before anything else.
“We have been number one for over a decade now and we are winning the key markets and are happy with our performance. That said, you can always do better.”
Nic Christensen
Update 1.45pm: The Australian has published a new story which states that Darren Wick and Rob McKnight had a lunch where it claims the Studio 10 boss was asked if he would be interested in the role of Today executive producer.
Wick’s full email to staff:
Hi everyone,
It’s been my rule to normally not worry when it comes to criticism of NINE in the media.
Sometimes we get good publicity, sometimes we get unfairly attacked. A long time in this game has taught me to go with the ebb and flow.
But I am taking a stand against a disgraceful article in this morning’s The Australian newspaper.
In a media section column, it was alleged that I was looking to replace Mark Calvert as the Executive Producer of TODAY, with Rob McKnight from Studio 10.
This is false.
Isn’t happening. Won’t happen.
I’m not replacing Mark. In fact, I expect him to continue in this role for a long time.
Under Mark’s direction this year, TODAY is giving SUNRISE a red-hot run for its money. And they know it at SEVEN.
TODAY is poised to win the ratings year in SYDNEY – the industry’s biggest and most lucrative market in terms of advertising revenue. In Melbourne, it’s a daily arm-wrestle.
And TODAY is going down to the wire in the race to win the year in Brisbane. This is already our best result in almost 15 years in that market. Winning Brisbane, as history has shown, is the key to turning the momentum in our favour.
The show is working. Mark has developed a great team of talented and hard-working producers. And, on-air, the chemistry is sizzling. And SEVEN knows it.
This hasn’t happened overnight. Building a team, consolidating a direction and growing audiences take time. But everything about where TODAY is positioned right now is very good.
Rob McKnight is a good operator who did a great job for us when he was at NINE. I would love, one day, to see him back at NINE. But, I’ve never offered him the role of Executive Producer at TODAY.
I’ve already issued a strong denial on all points in the article to the responsible media this morning. These are journalists with the basic ability to check the facts when a story is being spun and “dropped” to them.
Let our detractors keep throwing rocks. It means that you’re getting under their skin.
And get used to Calvert’s ugly mug being around for some time yet. We’re all in this for the long haul.
Cheers
Wickie
Mumbrella’s email today says: “Nine’s head of news denies plans to dump Sunrise EP”. Sunrise is on 7.
User ID not verified.
Hi again Ash,
You’re busy trouble spotting today – again you’re correct that’s an error. All part of the reason we’re looking for a new chief sub: https://mumbrella.com.au/jobs/chief-sub-mumbrella
Cheers,
Alex – editor, Mumbrella