Chequebooks out for Schapelle interview
Networks are swirling with chequebooks at the prospect of Schapelle Corby's first post-jail interview.
- Published by David Knox
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A bidding war is underway for the first interview with Schapelle Corby, as hopes for her parole in Bali increase.
Fairfax reports commercial TV channels are opening their chequebooks in the hope of landing the exclusive, likening it to high-profile interviews with Stuart Diver and Brant Webb & Todd Russell.
But one station insider insists that free-to-air channels don’t enter multi-million deals for TV interviews anymore, tipping a likely fee around $1 million.
While Proceeds of Crime laws may prevent Corby from receiving the money directly, it would be possible an interview could include print and digital interests, potentially upping the price tag.
However while the Corby family has more closely aligned with Nine over Seven, it is believed the family is unhappy with the upcoming telemovie Schapelle.
In 2008, Schapelle’s sister Mercedes also successfully won a defamation case against Today Tonight.
While TEN might take the opportunity to step in, incoming Head of News and Current Affairs Peter Meakin was running TT during the period of defamation.
Although the interview would likely comprise around an hour, it’s nevertheless important for a news brand.
“The curiosity factor is enormous,” said one source. “No matter what you think of her or the case, you’ll want to see what she looks like and hear about prison and all the details. Everyone will watch.”
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- Tagged with Schapelle, Today Tonight
20 Responses
Life in prison, that is ridiculous. Even most rapists and murderers don’t get life. Even if she was guilty, she has more than done her time. The Indonesian justice system is ridiculous. They treat drug smugglers worse than terrorists. They are the biggest hypocrites. They say they are against drugs, while in their nightclubs and bars people are openly taking and buying drugs and getting away with it.
Think we’re starting to get off topic now. Please return to the crux of the story now which is about network interviews and chequebook journalism.
@Maev….Sydney
Why should I chill, I am well aware this is a tv_blog, and people are welcome to comment. If everyone agree with what every one said on here, it would be bloody boring.
I stand by what I say. Schappelle should have got life in prison.
The topic was in the post so opinions are acceptable. But CAPS are not. Please refer to Comments Policy if you want further comments published, thanks.
@ Animal….read a few of your posts…geeze…chill man…
This is just a TV blog!
Maybe Nine will pay her the money to write the next underbelly series.
Underbelly: The Green Mile.
It will rate through the roof but this story is not as big as Lindy Chamberlain.
She deserves nothing.
Upon Schapelle re-entering Australia, she should be charged with conspiracy to importing a prohibited drug, and thrown back in jail.
If the Australian Federal Police, don’t do it, I’ll kick up the biggest fuss in Australia, until she is charged.
She is guilty as hell, found guilty, caught red handed with the drugs.
People get sucked into TT and ACA. Of course it will rate!!!
On parole…she has to live in Bali…no way will she say anything to anyone…that might send her back to jail….she would be very silly if she did…
Skipped the posts of the armchair critics…have an opinion..by all means…but dont think you know it all…
TT and ACA rate, as well as reality TV it doesn’t mean it is worth watching!
I am sick of hearing about it!
David…It most probably will. But it’ll rate without me.
I too would like to disagree with this “source” when he says “everyone will watch”. I’d rather watch the test pattern…I also will not be watching the telemovie. Couldn’t think of anything more trashy… Have no interest in this story. At all.
I’d tip it to rate.
She’s still going to have to be careful what she says while living in Indonesia. She can’t afford to upset them in any way. The ‘real’ interview will be when she is safely back in Australia. I don’t know if she will agree to it anyway, she hates the media and always does what she can to avoid them when they visit the prison.
And I still believe she is innocent & a victim of the corrupt Indonesian justice system.
I agree with some earlier comments, hate to think the family receives any commercial gain from this.
“Everyone will watch.”
Not true. I’ll either be washing my hair that night or watching another channel.
Look I dont know what happened at the airport and yes I think 20 years for her crime is over the top, however I hope if she does get parole then she isnt appearing everywhere and she doesnt become this glorified person like we have seen with the underworld figure.
Besides doesnt she have to stay with her sister in Indonesia if she gets parole.
But I can see why the media want her. I just hate it when families shop around for the best deal.
I hope no one pays a cent for an interview with this convicted drug courier. It will only boost ratings for just one or 2 nights, not worth it at all.
Surely the law is capable of preventing this dodgy family from making any kind of profit, be it print and digital interests or whatever. If not, then it should be amended immediately to prevent it from happening.
After what has transpired since Corby’s conviction, anyone who believes she is innocent would have to be in complete denial about what obviously occurred.
If this telemovie is indeed based on the book, one can understand why the family is unhappy about it as the truth hurts.