- Banned
- #1
Seems the AFL is being used as a weapon in the 9 v 7 wars.
http://www.smh.com.au/news/national...ge-at-pms-party/2006/12/23/1166290787924.html
TWO of Australia's media heavyweights stunned guests with a fiery exchange on the lawns of Kirribilli House during the Prime Minister's Christmas party on Friday night.
PBL chief James Packer and Channel Seven boss David Leckie engaged in a finger-pointing, expletive-laden exchange as Mr Howard and his wife, Janette, mingled in the exclusive crowd.
The war of words was the talk of the party. Those who saw it said Mr Packer and Mr Leckie were arguing over a coveted asset - AFL broadcast rights.
Networks Seven and Ten paid $780 million for the rights for the next five years and hoped to offset some costs by on-selling some matches to Foxtel.
But PBL is a part-owner of Foxtel and Mr Packer decided to veto the deal, potentially costing Seven up to $60 million.
As guests sipped on champagne and fine wines and ate prawns, beef teriyaki and calamari, Mr Packer and Mr Leckie were seen in conversation with Network Ten chair Nick Falloon. Mr Packer was heard to say to Mr Leckie "You were f---ing rude to me on the phone", to which Leckie replied "Well you were f---ing rude to me, too".
Witnesses said Mr Packer repeatedly pointed his finger towards Mr Leckie, who stormed out.
Mr Packer - who escorted his mother, Ros, and Lady (Florence) Packer to the party - appeared unfazed, chatting with Lachlan Murdoch and wife Sarah and airline consortium director Bob Mansfield.
Yesterday Mr Leckie played down the exchange with Mr Packer, with whom he is said to be close. "We were having friendly banter," he said. "There was no drama in it. We were having fun."
Other guests at the exclusive soiree included former Wallabies captain John Eales and current skipper George Gregan, former Australian cricket captain Mark Taylor, NSW Opposition Leader Peter Debnam, Major Brian Watters of the Salvation Army and incoming ABC chairman Maurice Newman.
http://www.smh.com.au/news/national...ge-at-pms-party/2006/12/23/1166290787924.html
TWO of Australia's media heavyweights stunned guests with a fiery exchange on the lawns of Kirribilli House during the Prime Minister's Christmas party on Friday night.
PBL chief James Packer and Channel Seven boss David Leckie engaged in a finger-pointing, expletive-laden exchange as Mr Howard and his wife, Janette, mingled in the exclusive crowd.
The war of words was the talk of the party. Those who saw it said Mr Packer and Mr Leckie were arguing over a coveted asset - AFL broadcast rights.
Networks Seven and Ten paid $780 million for the rights for the next five years and hoped to offset some costs by on-selling some matches to Foxtel.
But PBL is a part-owner of Foxtel and Mr Packer decided to veto the deal, potentially costing Seven up to $60 million.
As guests sipped on champagne and fine wines and ate prawns, beef teriyaki and calamari, Mr Packer and Mr Leckie were seen in conversation with Network Ten chair Nick Falloon. Mr Packer was heard to say to Mr Leckie "You were f---ing rude to me on the phone", to which Leckie replied "Well you were f---ing rude to me, too".
Witnesses said Mr Packer repeatedly pointed his finger towards Mr Leckie, who stormed out.
Mr Packer - who escorted his mother, Ros, and Lady (Florence) Packer to the party - appeared unfazed, chatting with Lachlan Murdoch and wife Sarah and airline consortium director Bob Mansfield.
Yesterday Mr Leckie played down the exchange with Mr Packer, with whom he is said to be close. "We were having friendly banter," he said. "There was no drama in it. We were having fun."
Other guests at the exclusive soiree included former Wallabies captain John Eales and current skipper George Gregan, former Australian cricket captain Mark Taylor, NSW Opposition Leader Peter Debnam, Major Brian Watters of the Salvation Army and incoming ABC chairman Maurice Newman.
