Australia

Peter Costello quits as Nine boss after clash with journalist at Canberra Airport

Former federal treasurer Peter Costello has stepped down as chairman of media company Nine Entertainment days after allegedly colliding with a reporter.

File photo of Peter Costello

Peter Costello has rejected accusations he struck a journalist after video emerged of the incident.

Peter Costello has resigned as chair of Nine Entertainment days after being accused of bumping into a journalist at Canberra airport.

The background: The media company's newspapers reported the former treasurer's departure on Sunday, with current deputy chair Catherine West stepping into the main role.

Costello tangled with The Australian reporter Liam Mendes at Canberra Airport on Thursday, with video footage appearing to show him knocking over the journalist after being confronted with questions about harassment allegations at Nine.

The former treasurer has denied assaulting the journalist and said Mendes tripped over an advertising placard, and was not pushed over.

In a video published by The Australian, Mendes follows Costello through the airport as he asks about Nine chief executive Mike Sneesby.

The Nine boss was appointed in 2016 after a career in politics where he served as the federal treasurer under Liberal prime minister John Howard.

The key quote: "I thank the board for their support over the last decade and particularly during the events of the last few weeks. There are enormous challenges ahead but I believe Nine is the best placed Australian media company to weather them and prosper." - Peter Costello.

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Source: AAP, SBS



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