Lisa Wilkinson’s big payday has Carrie Bickmore furious : Reports
Following Lisa Wilkinson’s shock resignation from Today on Monday and her subsequent appointment to the panel on The Project, headlines around the country have been reporting on the pay disparity between Wilkinson and her former Today co-host Karl Stefanovic – the reported reason behind her departure.
The 57-year-old Australian TV personality and journalist of more than 36 years, announced on Twitter on Monday night that she was resigning from the Today show, effective immediately, and according to reports, Nine offered Wilkinson $1.8 million a year, a $700,000 increase from her $1.1 million salary but $500,000 less than the $2.3 million she had asked for.
But now, a new pay squabble has arisen, with The Project host Carrie Bickmore reportedly upset that Wilkinson will be paid more than her. The Daily Telegraph reported that Bickmore, who has hosted the prime time news program since 2009, was “pissed off” at Wilkinson being placed beside her, especially when she will be earning four times as much as Bickmore.
However, the Gold Logie winning Bickmore, 36, was all smiles and congratulatory words on social media following the surprise announcement, posting a photo of herself with Wilkinson and co-host Waleed Aly and a gushing caption.
“All class Lisa @lisa_wilkinson. Congrats on an incredible stint at Today babe. Hope you enjoyed your sleep in and can’t wait to see your beaming face on @theprojecttv soon. #smart #funny #genuine”
It would be difficult not to feel threatened by such a big name interloping on her territory, but The Project PR team has denied the reported tensions.
Given Wilkinson’s career in journalism has spanned as many years as Bickmore has been alive, do you think it’s reasonable to want equal pay, or is Bickmore jumping the gun?
Explore More
Book Confidently With Us
Pay safely with us
Proudly Australian owned and operated