Lisa Wilkinson's huge payday at Ten

Lisa Wilkinson is set to become the highest paid woman on Australian television after departing Channel Nine amidst failed contract negations.

The 57-year-old announced via Twitter that she would be leaving her co-hosting job on Today with many speculating her demand for equal pay with co-host Karl Stefanovic the reason.

* Today show addresses Lisa Wilkinson's departure

• Lisa Wilkinson's awkward final moments

The Daily Mail reports she was only being paid close to half his salary.

Within minutes of Lisa announcing her departure she confirmed she would be taking up a role as a senior reporter with Channel Ten’s The Project.

According to the publication Lisa’s new deal is reportedly worth more than $2 million.

Lisa reportedly earned $1.1 million a year before her shock exit on Monday, while 43-year-old co-host Karl Stefanovic reportedly earns at $2 million per year, with a potential bonus that would round off his salary to almost $3 million depending on ratings.

According to a report in The Australian last year, Gold Logie winner Karl, who has been on Today since 2005, was apparently earning even more than Nine's CEO Hugh Marks, who was on a base salary of $1.4 million.

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