Nine slams report alleging Today producer to be replaced

Nine has denied a report today suggesting it is looking to replace Mark Calvert as executive producer of the Today show.

The Australian today reported Nine’s head of news and current affairs Darren Wick had been sounding out Studio 10 exec producer Rob McKnight to helm Today.

This morning Wick categorically denied the assertion, telling TV Tonight, “The article that appeared in the Media Diary section of The Australian this morning alleging I was looking to replace Mark Calvert, executive producer of the Today show is false. It is wrong in every sense of the word. It didn’t happen, it isn’t happening, it won’t happen.

“I’m not looking to replace Mark, in fact quite the opposite. I expect he will continue in this job for a long time. He’s doing a great job.”

Wick told TV Tonight that Studio 10‘s Rob McKnight was a good operator but “he has never been offered the position.”

He also sent an internal email to staff this morning, which said in part:

It’s been my rule to normally not worry when it comes to criticism of Nine in the media.

Sometimes we get good publicity, sometimes we get unfairly attacked. A long time in this game has taught me to go with the ebb and flow.

But I am taking a stand against a disgraceful article in this morning’s The Australian newspaper.

I’m not replacing Mark. In fact, I expect him to continue in this role for a long time.

The show is working. Mark has developed a great team of talented and hard-working producers. And, on-air, the chemistry is sizzling. And Seven knows it.

This hasn’t happened overnight. Building a team, consolidating a direction and growing audiences take time. But everything about where Today is positioned right now is very good.

Rob McKnight is a good operator who did a great job for us when he was at Nine. I would love, one day, to see him back at Nine. But, I’ve never offered him the role of Executive Producer at Today.

I’ve already issued a strong denial on all points in the article to the responsible media this morning. These are journalists with the basic ability to check the facts when a story is being spun and “dropped” to them.

Let our detractors keep throwing rocks. It means that you’re getting under their skin.

And get used to Calvert’s ugly mug being around for some time yet. We’re all in this for the long haul.

Updated:
The Australian has since reported Darren Wick took Rob McKnight for a meal where he asked if he would be interested in the role of executive producer of the Today Show. It quotes TEN News boss Peter Meakin as being advised by McKnight that they had shared a meal and that a story would be appearing in the newspaper. It also asserts Wick had been contacted for comment. Meakin says the meeting was a few weeks ago.