Last week, former Treasurer and now former Nine Chair, Peter Costello, fore filled the secret fantasy that so many high-profile individuals have; he shirt fronted a journalist.
Costello has spent years in the public arena restraining himself. He played the game. He delivered polished soundbites. Heck, he even transformed his smirk into a smile on queue.
He then dropped his façade, and just lent the shoulder in and dropped a reporter.
The simplicity of it was beautiful. Costello’s intimidating eye contact on approach. The physicality of his height, solid pace on foot and perfect approach to the target. Then the use of his shoulder and hips to move through his opponent.
It was swift and then it was done. Reporter down.
Yet, the satisfaction he derived from this brief act was short-lived, overshadowed by the subsequent fallout and reputational damage.
A mere 72 hours after news of the incident broke, Costello resigned.
The consequences of his actions clear: his actions deemed unacceptable, reflecting poorly both on himself and the organisation he once represented.
Nine confirmed his resignation in a statement that he will “step down from the board effective immediately.”
No doubt, recent revelations within Nine, including allegations of bullying, misuse of power and sexual harassment in its newsrooms, further compounded this situation.
As the company grapples with internal turmoil and financial challenges, the need for accountability was paramount.
Ultimately, Costello’s misstep serves as a cautionary tale.
The lesson is clear here, if your instinct is to knock a reporter out, save it for your fantasies.
Tony Nicholls
Founder and Director of Good Talent Media