Alex Cullen, the former Today Show presenter, has announced a significant career move following his unexpected departure from Channel Nine. Earlier this year, Cullen was dismissed after accepting a $50,000 payment from The Block billionaire Adrian Portelli for referring to him as ‘McLaren Man’ during a live broadcast. Now, Cullen is set to make his television comeback with 7News.
In an interview with Stellar magazine, the 44-year-old journalist expressed his gratitude towards Seven Network for their support. “After everything went down [at Nine this year], Seven were one of the first on the phone to say: ‘You have our support, and if you want to come back, we’re a phone call away,'” Cullen shared. He emphasized the importance of this gesture, stating, “I can’t tell you how much that meant to me and my family.”
The Scandal and Its Fallout
The controversy began when Adrian Portelli, frustrated with his long-standing nickname ‘Mr Lambo,’ offered a cash reward for the first person to call him ‘McLaren Man’ on air. Cullen accepted the challenge, leading to his suspension by Nine. The network launched an investigation into the payment, which was ultimately donated to charity by Portelli.
“Accepting cash, gifts or benefits to undermine journalistic independence, as well as improperly using a journalistic position for personal gain, are both breaches of the journalism code of ethics as defined by the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance.”
Despite Portelli’s claims that Cullen intended the money to be donated to charity from the outset, Nine proceeded with Cullen’s departure. Portelli later confirmed on Instagram that he had made two $25,000 donations to the Salvation Army and the RSPCA on Cullen’s behalf.
Looking Forward to a New Chapter
Cullen’s return to Seven marks a homecoming of sorts, as he previously worked with the network on programs such as Sunrise and Sunday Night. “It’s not very nice being the story,” Cullen reflected, “It’s better telling the story.” His new role at 7News promises a fresh start and the opportunity to reunite with former colleagues.
In the interim, Cullen took on a role as a sports presenter for Melbourne’s Gold 104.3’s top-rating breakfast program, The Christian O’Connell Show. This experience kept him connected to the industry and provided a platform to engage with audiences in a different capacity.
Industry Reactions and Future Implications
The media industry’s response to Cullen’s scandal and subsequent career moves highlights the delicate balance journalists must maintain between personal actions and professional responsibilities. According to media ethics expert Dr. Jane Thompson, “This incident underscores the importance of transparency and ethical conduct in journalism. Cullen’s experience serves as a cautionary tale for other media professionals.”
“I’ve kept pretty quiet about what unfolded with Alex, but even before he’d heard from Ch9, we had a conversation where he expressed his desire to donate the money. That speaks volumes about his character. Alex, you’re an absolute gentleman.” — Adrian Portelli
Cullen’s return to television with 7News not only signals a personal comeback but also reflects the industry’s willingness to offer second chances. As Cullen steps back into the spotlight, viewers and colleagues alike will be watching closely to see how he navigates this new chapter.
With his reputation and career on the line, Cullen’s journey serves as a reminder of the challenges and opportunities that come with the ever-evolving landscape of media and journalism. As he resumes his role in front of the camera, the focus will undoubtedly be on his ability to rebuild trust and deliver compelling stories to audiences across Australia.
