Nine in legal wrangle with FOX Sports over Yvonne Sampson
Talk of a six month non-compete clause in her contract could derail Yvonne Sampson's timing to join FOX Sports.
- Published by David Knox
- on
- Filed under News
Just before its annus horribilis wraps, Nine has one more legal stoush to sort after reports Yvonne Sampson is to join FOX Sports for their dedicated NRL channel in 2017.
According to News Corp, Nine claims Sampson has a six-month non-compete clause in her contract which expires on December 31st. FOX Sports lawyers are challenging the clause.
FOX Sports Head of Live Sport and News Steve Crawley is himself a former Head of Sport at Nine prior to his exit in February.
Any legal stoush would be added to the legal expenses Nine has incurred this year with 60 Minutes, WIN TV and Sunrise skirmishes.
Meanwhile there is a suggestion Nine may use Peter Sterling to host its Thursday, Friday and Sunday coverage plus State of Origin. Sterling, who also works for FOX Sports, could be offered an early exit from his contract from the Pay TV channel if that comes to pass.
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- Tagged with 60 Minutes, NRL, State of Origin, Sunrise
8 Responses
Non compete rarely get enforced by the Courts as its a restraint of trade. Unless you are a scientist etc who has found cure for XYZ, it is impossible.
she should have got Ken sutcliffe’s spot but nine is a boys club
Channel 9 were too busy worrying about starting another AFL show rather than actually doing a deal with their best host and promoting a sport they actually have the rights to.
Too much focus on Victoria from channel 9.
I wouldn’t be surprised if Yvonne also wanted a change/fresh start. Channel 9 has had a lot of bad press and their sports commentary teams have also been criticised.
What a loss to Channel 9. Yvonne is a great talent and broadcaster. How long before Erin Molan follows?
As always the winner out of this is $$$ legal $$$ people!
There could b a straight swop! Yvonne Sampson for Sterlo! That’s a good way to get around this legal problem!
I believe she has made the right move. The one thing I have noticed between Foxtel and 9 league shows is respect for women. Ch 9 continue their blokey prattler and you can almost see Yvonne squirming as she is caught in the middle. The Foxtel league shows have women reporters and analysis whose opinions are valued just as much as the men.