David Gyngell has vowed to prove James Packer wrong.
The Nine Network boss believes there is still money to be made in free-to-air television, and has promised to tap his experience from another Packer, Kerry, to make his point.
The TV executive and close friend of James Packer told advertisers in Sydney yesterday that the billionaire's decision this week to cut his family's more than 50 years of ties to the network was not going to spell any change for Nine, which has started a comeback in TV ratings this year.
The tradition of the late Kerry Packer — who was so passionate about the network that he called producers personally to change what was on air — was set to continue under his tenure, he said.
"I loved Kerry Packer, what he did for me and how much I learned from him," Mr Gyngell said.
"He was truly extraordinary, so hopefully I picked up his attitude towards Channel Nine, and I do love Channel Nine and what we do with Channel Nine.
"While on my watch, we won't be cutting our costs to damage our content.
"If anyone understands the structure of the deal as it was originally done, the day that James and his family gave up control of Channel Nine was the day that he made a decision on his position on media.
"He's got his view, and I'm looking forward to proving him wrong."
(Credit: The Sydney Morning Herald)
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