Channel Nine is ‘willing to walk away’ from a deal with Ellen DeGeneres

The workplace bullying scandal at The Ellen DeGeneres Show could play into Channel Nine’s hands as talks continue between the Australian network and Warner Bros. Television regarding broadcast rights to the new season. 

Leading TV commentator Rob McKnight, a former senior executive at Nine, believes the controversy ‘has come up at the perfect time during a negotiation period’ and gives the broadcaster bargaining power. 

McKnight also told Daily Mail Australia that Nine has the enviable position of being ‘willing to walk away’ from the deal as it refocuses its efforts on prime time.

‘Nine are in negotiations and to bring the price down they’re showing Warner Bros that they’re willing to walk away,’ said McKnight, who runs industry website TV Blackbox.

‘With the advertising market shrinking [due to the coronavirus recession], the focus is on prime time. I’m sure they’d like to keep Ellen but this whole controversy has come up at the perfect time for them during a negotiation period. 

‘They’ll be taking a look at the ratings of Desperate Housewives in the Ellen slot and seeing whether it adversely affects them before they walk away from the deal.

‘The fact is, this is all about getting the best deal for Nine. Controversies come and go but at the moment every dollar counts.’

McKnight also made the ‘bold prediction’ that The Ellen DeGeneres Show will continue to rate well in Australia and other overseas territories, despite the negative headlines.

‘Ellen won’t lose any viewers and will rate as well as she ever has!’ he said.

‘Here’s the thing, her fans don’t want to know the truth. They want to believe she is this kind and generous soul who wouldn’t treat anyone badly.’