Sunday Night’s scalp on SA Premier

Sunday Night may have landed one of its biggest scalps since its launch earlier this year, after its story last night on South Australian Premier Mike Rann (pictured).

“Affairs of State” by reporter Mark Riley detailed an alleged affair between former state employee, Michelle Chantelois, and the Premier.

“He asked me to go back to his office because he wanted to kiss me and I didn’t say no and that was the start of my nightmare,” she alleged.

“There was sex involved. There was sexual intimacy and contact – having me on the desk in his office. At the very end, when it was finished, it was almost like `I have a meeting now, I have to go’.”

She said the contact continued after his marriage in 2005.

The long-serving Premier declined offers to present his side of the story to Sunday Night. He is expected to make a statement today about the allegations. Chantelois admitted to being paid for the interview.

The Seven public affairs show also went head to head with 60 Minutes last night (due to Nine’s cricket commitments). Seven has taken great pride in pulling bigger figures than Nine’s flagship show in its 30th year. Last week Seven sent out Press Releases gloating about its wins over Nine.

Meanwhile Seven is also said to be chasing the stories from 60 Minutes US show, currently bought by Nine from TEN under CBS distribution deals.

If Seven wins that bid it would be yet another trump for the network.

Source: AdelaideNow, The Australian