Jessica’s $1M Handshake

Radio reports today that Jessica Rowe will walk away from the Nine Network with at least $1M.

The source said she was likely to receive a three year payout of her reported $500,000 salary – putting the amount as high as $1.5M.

Rowe and Nine parted ways on Saturday night, less than 24 hours before the Logies.

Generally, media reports like this are wide of the mark, but I hope Rowe is placated by a hefty payout. Nine dealt with her dreadfully, sniping behind her back, publicly supporting her, promising she would return and then dumping her. Throughout it all Rowe behave professionally. It’s hard to believe this would have happened during Kerry Packer’s day, but under James and his management this was a mess from start to end.

The timing of her departure is also curious. Did Nine hope the Logies news would smother Rowe’s axing? Did somebody within Nine time it destabilise Eddie even more?

And where will Rowe turn next? Obviously as a new mum time is on her side. But with both TEN and Nine now behind her there is a shrinking list of options.

Maybe it’s time for Foxtel?