Channel Nine sacks veteran journalist over mass layoffs and wage disputes
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In a media landscape as unpredictable as the Melbourne weather, the latest shake-up at Channel Nine's Melbourne office has left viewers and industry insiders alike in shock.
Allan Raskall, a veteran journalist with a career spanning over a decade at the network, has parted ways amid a tumultuous period of mass sackings and wage disputes that have rocked the Australian media sector.
Raskall took to social media with a tongue-in-cheek post that left no doubt about his current employment status.
Dressed in a suit, the newsman held up a sign that read 'Work Wanted', captioning the image with a light-hearted nod to the freelancer's life and an open call for opportunities.
‘Such is (a freelancer's) life. Work wanted. Call me,’ the caption read.
The departure of Raskall comes at a time when the media industry is grappling with significant economic challenges.
Inside sources revealed that his casual contract with Channel Nine would not be renewed, a decision that reflects the broader cost-cutting exercises the network is undertaking to salvage its financial health.
'I've freelanced for more than a decade at Nine, I guess during a cost of living crisis, even big business has to cut back on luxury items! Who knows what the future holds?’ Raskall told The Herald Sun.
A Nine spokesperson confirmed the news of Raskall's exit, attributing the tough decision to the ‘economic challenges facing the media sector’.
Despite the circumstances, the spokesperson emphasised that Raskall remains a 'much-loved member' of the Channel Nine family.
Raskall's career at Nine has been nothing short of illustrious, having started at the Sydney headquarters before moving to Darwin and eventually the Melbourne newsroom.
His return to freelancing preceded a six-year stint before he joined the 9News Melbourne team on a casual basis in October 2013.
Beyond his journalistic endeavours, Raskall is also set to make his on-stage debut in a guest role in Club Vegas, showcasing his versatility and passion for the arts.
The media sector's job losses have not spared even the most iconic figures, with broadcasting legend Liz Hayes also feeling the sting.
Hayes' true crime series, Under Investigation with Liz Hayes, is reportedly under review and facing the axe amid the network's widespread budget cuts and forced redundancies.
The decision has caused ripples of disbelief through Nine, especially given Hayes' recent Silver Logie nomination for her work on the series.
‘If that's what they feel comfortable doing to Liz Hayes' show, then nothing is out of bounds,’ one network insider shared.
'Liz is a Nine legend and the face of the network. To even consider killing off her show is just brutal—it means absolutely no one and nothing is safe.'
Nine's CEO, Mike Sneesby, has announced a $30 million cost-cutting plan that will see approximately 200 jobs affected across the network.
‘From our nationwide team of almost 5000 people, around 200 jobs are expected to be affected across Nine, including some vacant and casual roles not being filled,’ he said.
This announcement has been met with criticism, particularly in light of Sneesby's perceived extravagance, such as his trip to Paris to carry the Olympic torch and the luxurious accommodations for Nine's leadership team during the Games.
In a similar story, another veteran reporter launched legal Federal Court action against Seven Network after allegedly being illegally dismissed by the network.
The respected journalist received public support from colleagues as he entered the legal battle. You can read more about the story here.
How do you feel about the shifting tides in the media? Share your thoughts and insights in the comments below.
Allan Raskall, a veteran journalist with a career spanning over a decade at the network, has parted ways amid a tumultuous period of mass sackings and wage disputes that have rocked the Australian media sector.
Raskall took to social media with a tongue-in-cheek post that left no doubt about his current employment status.
Dressed in a suit, the newsman held up a sign that read 'Work Wanted', captioning the image with a light-hearted nod to the freelancer's life and an open call for opportunities.
‘Such is (a freelancer's) life. Work wanted. Call me,’ the caption read.
Channel Nine veteran journalist Allan Raskall parted ways with the network over mass sackings and wage disputes. Credit: @AllanRaskall / Instagram
The departure of Raskall comes at a time when the media industry is grappling with significant economic challenges.
Inside sources revealed that his casual contract with Channel Nine would not be renewed, a decision that reflects the broader cost-cutting exercises the network is undertaking to salvage its financial health.
'I've freelanced for more than a decade at Nine, I guess during a cost of living crisis, even big business has to cut back on luxury items! Who knows what the future holds?’ Raskall told The Herald Sun.
A Nine spokesperson confirmed the news of Raskall's exit, attributing the tough decision to the ‘economic challenges facing the media sector’.
Despite the circumstances, the spokesperson emphasised that Raskall remains a 'much-loved member' of the Channel Nine family.
Raskall's career at Nine has been nothing short of illustrious, having started at the Sydney headquarters before moving to Darwin and eventually the Melbourne newsroom.
His return to freelancing preceded a six-year stint before he joined the 9News Melbourne team on a casual basis in October 2013.
Beyond his journalistic endeavours, Raskall is also set to make his on-stage debut in a guest role in Club Vegas, showcasing his versatility and passion for the arts.
The media sector's job losses have not spared even the most iconic figures, with broadcasting legend Liz Hayes also feeling the sting.
Hayes' true crime series, Under Investigation with Liz Hayes, is reportedly under review and facing the axe amid the network's widespread budget cuts and forced redundancies.
The decision has caused ripples of disbelief through Nine, especially given Hayes' recent Silver Logie nomination for her work on the series.
‘If that's what they feel comfortable doing to Liz Hayes' show, then nothing is out of bounds,’ one network insider shared.
'Liz is a Nine legend and the face of the network. To even consider killing off her show is just brutal—it means absolutely no one and nothing is safe.'
Nine's CEO, Mike Sneesby, has announced a $30 million cost-cutting plan that will see approximately 200 jobs affected across the network.
‘From our nationwide team of almost 5000 people, around 200 jobs are expected to be affected across Nine, including some vacant and casual roles not being filled,’ he said.
This announcement has been met with criticism, particularly in light of Sneesby's perceived extravagance, such as his trip to Paris to carry the Olympic torch and the luxurious accommodations for Nine's leadership team during the Games.
In a similar story, another veteran reporter launched legal Federal Court action against Seven Network after allegedly being illegally dismissed by the network.
The respected journalist received public support from colleagues as he entered the legal battle. You can read more about the story here.
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