An explosive report has claimed Today co-star Lisa Wilkinson’s contract negotiations with Nine have ‘stalled’.
According to The Sunday Telegraph, the 57-year-old may be holding out on re-signing with the network until she’s granted ‘pay parity’ with Karl Stefanovic.
The report also suggests new Nine CEO Hugh Marks is less fond of Karl than former boss David Cygnell, meaning ‘this could be her last chance,’ to earn equal pay.
‘Stalled’: An report has claimed Today co-star Lisa Wilkinson’s contract negotiations with Nine have ‘stalled,’ claiming the reason may be that Lisa is seeking ‘pay parity’ with Karl Stefanovic
The report disputes claims made by a Nine spokesperson, who told The Sunday Telegraph negotiations on Lisa’s two-year deal are ‘continuing’.
‘Negotiations between her agent Nick Fordham and Nine boss Hugh Marks have, this columnist was informed last week, stalled,’ the report claimed.
The report also suggests the reason is that Lisa wants the same money as Karl, 43, but he’s ‘rumoured to be on twice as much.’
‘This could be her last chance’: The report also suggests new Nine CEO Hugh Marks is less fond of Karl than former boss David Cygnell, meaning ‘this could be her last chance,’ to earn equal pay
The publication estimated the hosts three year deal, which was inked by his friend and former Nine CEO David Cygnell, to be worth up to ‘$6 million’.
But with Cygnell resigning in 2015, insiders have reportedly revealed that Hugh Marks doesn’t rate Karl as highly as his predecessor.
The report speculated: ‘Marks has been frustrated by Stefanovic’s seeming disregard for his public image and the impact on Today post marriage breakup.’
‘Twice as much’: The report also suggests Karl, 43, earns ‘twice as much’ as Lisa, 57, despite the fact that do the same role
How much? The publication estimated Karl’s three year deal, which was inked by his friend and former CEO David Cygnell, to be worth up to ‘$6 million’
The breakup referenced is Karl’s 21-year marriage to Cassandra Thorburn, which ended last September.
Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Channel Nine for comment.
Lisa began appearing on the Today show in 2007, joining co-host Karl, who took over Steve Leibman’s role in February 2005.
‘Frustrated’: But with Cygnell resigning in 2015, insiders have claimed new boss Hugh Marks is ‘frustrated by the impact on (the) Today show’ following Karl’s marriage split (pictured with ex-wife Cassandra Thorburn)