We see their faces on our screens and welcome them like old friends, but it’s easy to forget that these Australian stars are paid an arm and a leg to do what they do.
The rumoured salaries for some of Australia’s biggest names have been revealed, with Channel 10’s Lisa Wilkinson topping the list. It probably has something to do with the controversial contract the reporter signed after dramatically leaving the Nine Network in 2017.
The 60-year-old’s deal with Channel 10 is rumoured to be worth close to $2.3million.
While former Today show anchor was actually offered $1.8million to stay with Nine, she demanded an extra $500,000.
After failing to meet these high expectations, Lisa went on to join the team of Channel Ten’s The Project.
Interestingly, the addition of Lisa hasn’t brought on more viewers as expected, but her salary was justified because of her extensive experience on TV, and her ability to land “big name interviews,” says TV Blackbox editor, Rob McKnight.
Below are the list of the top highest paid Australian TV stars…
Lisa Wilkinson (Channel 10): $2.3million
Hamish Blake (Nine): $2million
Sonia Kruger (Seven): $1.3million*
David Koch (Seven): $1million*
Sam Armytage (Seven): $500,000*
Carrie Bickmore (Channel 10): $500,000
Waleed Aly (Channel 10): $500,000
Sophie Monk (Nine): $1million
In a close second behind Lisa, comes radio and television beloved presenter Hamish Blake, who is now the host of Channel Nine’s Lego Masters, True Story with Hamish & Andy, and ‘Perfect’ Holiday.
New Idea reports that the 38-year-old is earns $2million per year.
“He is Nine’s anointed son. From the execs to the publicists to the marketing department, he is universally loved,” an insider said.
With Hamish leading Lego Masters, the show has been delivering huge numbers for the network.
Season two of the unique show premiered to a metro audience of 1.23 million – which happens to be the highest for any entertainment show of 2020.
Next up is newly appointed Big Brother host for Channel Seven, Sonia Kruger, who previously hosted Nine’s The Voice.
Her new contract with Seven has her earning $1.3million.
“She’s leaving because Channel Seven are prepared to pay far more money than Channel Nine,” a source told Daily Mail Australia in November.
Over three years, Sonia’s Channel Seven package has an estimated worth of $4 million.
Unfortunately for big Channel Seven stars Sam Armytage and David Koch, their salaries were recently cut by a huge 20 per cent due to the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
Before the cut, Sam was rumoured to be on $500,000 annually while Kochie was earning $1million.
Seven News boss Craig McPherson reportedly said earlier this month that their talent who was affected by the pay cuts took the news with “great grace and class.”
“I spoke to all my presenters personally and everyone was very understanding of the situation and handled it with great grace and class,” he said.
In 2017 The Project’s Carrie Bickmore and Waleed Aly were earning $500,000 each per year at Channel 10.
Since then, their salary packages may have increased.
Sophie Monk, who we feel like we see everywhere, doesn’t have a clear salary!
According to The Courier-Mail, the 40-year-old earned approximately $300,000 to be The Bachelorette in 2017.
However, her pay was said to be increased when she signed onto Channel Nine the following year to host Love Island Australia – making close to $1 million.
Feeling poor?
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