Allan Raskall: Veteran Channel Nine journalist parts ways with Melbourne network amid mass sackings and wage disputes READ MORE: Jasmine Stefanovic flaunts her family's free accommodation in Paris amid Channel Nine layoffs By Mikaela Wilkes For Daily Mail Australia Published: 07:47, 13 August 2024 | Updated: 07:47, 13 August 2024 e-mail View comments Veteran television journalist Allan Raskall appears to be taking his sacking from Channel Nine's Melbourne office in stride after reportedly being told by bosses that he's no longer needed at the embattled TV network. Two weeks ago, the media star shared a tongue-in-cheek selfie to Instagram in which he's dressed in a LinkedIn headshot-esque suit, and grinning whilst holding up a sign that read: 'Work Wanted'. 'Such is (a freelancer's) life,' Raskall wrote.
'Work wanted. Call me.' It's understood Raskall finished up with the network around the time of his post.
Multiple inside sources have said Raskall's casual contract would not be renewed amid ongoing exercises at the network to rescue the bottom line, reports The Herald Sun . '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 publication. A Nine spokesperson confirmed Raskall's departure — citing 'economic challenges facing the media sector' as the reason for the decision to 'pause' all casual contracts — but said he would always be a 'much loved member' of their team.
The self-described 'TV News Man' has cultivated a loyal following since beginning his career at Nine's Sydney headquarters before transferring to Darwin, then the Melbourne newsroom. Veteran journalist Allan Raskall (left) is the latest victim of the embattled Australian media sector's job losses. Pictured with Peter Hitchener Raskall returned to freelancing, a gig he cheerily held for six years, before he worked in the 9News Melbourne newsroom in October 2013 on a casual basis.
The veteran newshound, who has also reported for Channel Ten in the past, is a fixture on Melbourne's social scene and often attends theatre premieres including the Six musical last week. The longtime theatre fan also recently announced he will soon be making his on-stage debut in a guest role in Club Vegas. It comes less than a week after broadcasting icon Liz Hayes lost her true crime series to network execs' bloodletting.
The media star shared a tongue-in-cheek selfie to Instagram in which he's dressed in a LinkedIn headshot-esque suit, and grinning whilst holding up a 'Work Wanted' sign 9News has confirmed it has put all casual workers 'on pause' as it faces the 'economic challenges' of the media sector Channel Nine insiders revealed the veteran reporter's award-winning show, Under Investigation with Liz Hayes, was 'under review' and about to be axed amid widespread budget cuts and forced redundancies at the network. Long-time Nine staff said they were shocked by the decision, particularly given Hayes had only just been nominated for a Silver Logie for her work fronting the series. 'If that's what they feel comfortable doing to Liz Hayes' show, then nothing is out of bounds,' one troubled network insider told Daily Mail Australia.
'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.' Read More EXCLUSIVE Channel Nine execs make a staggering call with high profile name a victim of axe-swinging While Hayes' show might be gone, the star journalist will stay on at the network she first joined four decades again as a news reporter in Nine's Sydney headquarters in 1981.
Nine boss Mike Sneesby announced hundreds of jobs would be axed at the network as part of a $30 million cost-cutting plan . '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,' the Nine chief executive said. Sneesby has since come under fire for repeated fire for 'tone-deaf' largesse amid the cuts, including his decision to fly to Paris to carry the Olympic torch ahead of the Games.
The veteran newshound, who has also reported for Channel Ten in the past, is a fixture on Melbourne's social scene and often attends theatre premieres He was also lambasted for staying at a luxurious five-star hotel and spa in the heart of the French capital while the hardworking reporters covering the Olympics were consigned to budget accommodation in the outer suburbs. Members of Nine's leadership team were also booked into the glamorous ivy-covered Le Pavilion de la Reine hotel and spa in the heart of the capital's sought-after Le Marais district. The hotel, which boasts it offers 'an elegant atmosphere' and 'discreet' world-class luxury, is located a stone's throw from the city's most popular landmarks including Notre Dame, Le Centre Pompidou, and the Louvre, and includes gym facilities, spa access and free breakfast.
Although Hayes' job with the network is safe, it is understood a number of the program's close-knit team have already lost their jobs at the network. Melbourne Sydney Share or comment on this article: Allan Raskall: Veteran Channel Nine journalist parts ways with Melbourne network amid mass sackings and wage disputes e-mail Add comment.
