And now "Boned -The Novel."

He swears he never said it, but that “boned” phrase lives on in infamy ever since it appeared in Mark Llewellyn’s affidavit in which he claimed Eddie McGuire used the term over Jessica Rowe.

Now it’s the title of a fictional book to be published by Penguin Books. The novel, written by “Anonymous,” will surely dredge up Nine skeletons again.

The book is described as “A wickedly entertaining novel that blows the lid off the world of network television. After 20 years at Australia’s no. 1 TV station, Kate Corish is at the top of her game. But in the blokey world of TV, being a woman can be a distinct disadvantage. Kate’s use-by date is approaching and rumours that management intend to ‘bone’ her are flying thick and fast. Kate knows her boss is behind the campaign – so should she accept her fate, or try to play the boys at their own game?”

No doubt it is inspired by media stories about Jessica Rowe, Jana Wendt, Christine Spiteri and possibly even that of Mary Kostakidis, elbowed aside at SBS.

Tongues will be wagging over who has authored the book. It’s very possibly none of the personalities at the centre of its inspiration. But what about Mia Freedman, former magazine editor who was brought in to give the network an on-air female flavour with the ill-fated Catch-Up? Maybe it’s Libby Gore?

Yesterday, Georgie Graham, the publicist for Boned, remained tight-lipped about the author’s identity.

“The author is a survivor of the TV industry and continues to work in the TV industry, but that’s all I know at this point,” she said.

“Penguin has been dealing with an agent. We don’t actually know who the author is, but the book is a work of fiction.”

Last night, Nine CEO David Gyngell said he had no idea who had written Boned. “It’s all good sport. We might even make a mini-series out of it.”

Never mind Who Killed Channel Nine? Someone’s more interested in picking at the carcass.

Boned is released in June for $32.95.

Photo: Archibald Prize entry
Source: Daily Telegraph