Lisa Wilkinson quits Today Show after pay row
Australian television presenter Lisa Wilkinson will not return to Channel Nine's The Today Show after a shock departure today, and will be starting a new role at rival network Channel Ten's The Project.
Her exit from the network after 10 years comes after speculation surrounding her salary expectations, with reports the 57-year-old demanded the same pay as co-host Karl Stefanovic.
"I have some news. I'm sad to say that today was my last day on @the today show. The following statement is from Channel Nine..." she wrote on Twitter.
An accompanying statement from Channel Nine read: "Nine today confirmed we have been unable to meet the expectations of Lisa Wilkinson and her manager on a contract renewal for a further period.
"We express our gratitude for Lisa for her 10 years with the Today Show are disappointed we find ourselves in this position.
“Nine will be going in another direction and will be considering our options in coming weeks and months."
The journalist will be joining Channel Ten's nightly news and current affairs program, The Project.
I have some news. I'm sad to say that today was my last day on @the today show. The following statement is from Channel Nine... pic.twitter.com/B3IVDAfkSm
— Lisa Wilkinson (@Lisa_Wilkinson) October 16, 2017
She will be on the panel alongside Gold Logie winners Waleed Aly and Carrie Bickmore.
An official statement on Channel Ten announced that the former women's magazine editor is "joining the network in a senior hosting and editorial role, effective January 2018".
The statement added that she would be joining the other co-hosts during the week, while hosting The Sunday Project.
Thanks so much to everyone for all your lovely messages. I have some more news. This statement is from @channelten. I'm absolutely thrilled. pic.twitter.com/7bN9s9TUHn
— Lisa Wilkinson (@Lisa_Wilkinson) October 16, 2017
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