Alex Cullen has parted ways with Nine's Today Show following the fallout from his acceptance of $50,000 from billionaire Adrian Portelli. The presenter, 44, was suspended after using Portelli's self-appointed nickname 'McLaren Man' on air in exchange for the payment.
Legendary PR man Max Markson said Cullen will 'bounce back' and that his departure could be a blessing in disguise. 'He's already had a terrific career and will keep going on it,' Markson told Daily Mail Australia. He added that Cullen is talented and will have no problem finding another TV job.
Karl Stefanovic announced Cullen's departure on Friday morning, saying: 'Last night, Alex and Nine agreed that he would finish with the network.' Stefanovic described Cullen as a 'terrific fella' and wished him well.
Portelli had offered the cash reward to the first person to use his new nickname on air, and Cullen obliged during a report from the Australian Open. Nine suspended Cullen and said the money was being returned. Portelli later claimed Cullen intended to donate the money to charity and posted evidence of $25,000 payments to the Salvation Army and RSPCA.
Accepting cash or gifts to undermine journalistic independence breaches the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance code of ethics. Markson said he couldn't recall any recent instances of a media personality being fired for accepting an unauthorised payment.
A media insider suggested Portelli may offer Cullen a job. Portelli wrote on Instagram: 'If Ch9 let you go, I'd be more than happy to collaborate with you on something. True class, mate!'
