The Nine Networks response

Fierce competition for ratings and income has led to politics becoming an integral aspect of the medium. Many conspiracy theories have been circulating that relate to the ABC’s possible involvement in having a major asset of a competing network (Channel Nine) stood down indefinitely. Whilst such theories are unfounded, Channel Nine responded to ‘Four Corners’ by using the public attention on the issue for their own financial benefits. Twenty-two out of the thirty minute time slot for program 'A Current Affair', was devoted to the Matthew Johns issue. Hosted by Tracy Grimshaw, the program achieved its highest ratings of 2009 to date, with 1.372 million viewers. The following day, ‘The Footy Show’ enticed 1.101 million viewers to watch the first episode since Johns’ departure.