He didn’t jump, he was pushed. That’s the story which is now leaking out of Channel Nine after yesterday’s report Ray Martin had quit the network amicably.
It is now being reported Martin was issued an ultimatum by Nine CEO David Gyngell last month, that he either host the Sunday program or leave the network.
Martin was ‘gobsmacked’ by the ultimatum says The Australian website.
The writing had been on the wall for some time, according to industry insiders, after Martin’s repeated complaints to media writers about his treatment by Nine management over the last few years.
While he was a legendary TV personality in the 1980s and early 1990s, Martin’s position at the network has been far from essential for some time.
In recent years he has done only ad hoc work for 60 Minutes, Sunday and in hosting the annual Christmas carols concerts.
Martin’s departure from the network follows the high profile sackings of TV personalities Jessica Rowe and Eddie McGuire, as the network struggles to rebuild its former top position in Australia’s media landscape.
