This is how often women get paid less than men on TV

Alicia Vrajlal
Updated

As Lisa Wilkinson prepares to begin a new hosting role on Ten's The Project after contract negotiations at Channel Nine broke down, the disparity in pay between men and women in Australian television has been thrown into the spotlight.

Lisa, 57, 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.

Lisa Wilkinson and Today Show co-host Karl Stefanovic were paid very different salaries. Source: Channel Nine
Lisa Wilkinson and Today Show co-host Karl Stefanovic were paid very different salaries. Source: Channel Nine

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.

Back in 2015, The Daily Telegraph reported that A Current Affair host Tracy Grimshaw, who has been with Channel Nine since 36, was on a salary of just $650,000 per year.

And a report by the same publication last year claimed that The NRL Footy Show host Erin Molan, was earning just $100,000 while her Channel Nine co-host Beau Ryan was on $800,000.

On Monday evening Lisa announced she'd quit the Today show. The 57-year-old reportedly earned $1.1 million a year. Source: Getty
On Monday evening Lisa announced she'd quit the Today show. The 57-year-old reportedly earned $1.1 million a year. Source: Getty
Karl reportedly earns at $2 million per year, with a potential bonus that would round off his salary to almost $3 million depending on ratings. Source: Getty
Karl reportedly earns at $2 million per year, with a potential bonus that would round off his salary to almost $3 million depending on ratings. Source: Getty

It had also been reported that Erin and fellow reporter Yvonne Sampson were asked to fly economy to cover a sporting event, while male hosts flew business class.

On Monday evening Lisa announced she was leaving the Today show.

"I have some news," she wrote on Twitter. "I'm sad to say that today was my last day on @the today show. The following statement is from Channel Nine."

Back in 2015, The Daily Telegraph reported that A Current Affair host Tracy Grimshaw, who has been with Channel Nine since 36, was on a salary of just $650,000 per year. Source: Channel Nine
Back in 2015, The Daily Telegraph reported that A Current Affair host Tracy Grimshaw, who has been with Channel Nine since 36, was on a salary of just $650,000 per year. Source: Channel Nine
It was reported last year that The NRL Footy Show host Erin Molan, was earning just $100,000 while her Channel Nine co-host Beau Ryan was on $800,000. Source: Getty
It was reported last year that The NRL Footy Show host Erin Molan, was earning just $100,000 while her Channel Nine co-host Beau Ryan was on $800,000. Source: Getty

"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," a statement from Channel Nine read.

"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.

Lisa will be joining Channel Ten's The Project, which already stars Waleed Aly, Carrie Bickmore and Peter Helliar. Source: Channel Ten
Lisa will be joining Channel Ten's The Project, which already stars Waleed Aly, Carrie Bickmore and Peter Helliar. Source: Channel Ten

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.

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