Channel Nine stars face salary cuts

A number of stars with Channel Nine are expected to receive salary cuts as the struggling Australian television network scrambles to lower costs.

Nine CEO David Gyngell has been given two months to cut costs and recoup $20 million, according to the Herald Sun.

Morning television presenter Kerrie-Anne Kennerley will reportedly be the first star to be offered a significant reduction on her $500,000 salary when her contract comes up for renewal in October.

Meanwhile, other celebrities expected to suffer salary reductions during contract negotiations include current affairs anchor Tracey Grimshaw, who is now on $700,000, and reporter Liz Hayes, who receives $600,000.

Presenters Catriona Rowntree and Scott Cam and journalist Tara Brown - all currently on around $500,000 per annum - are also expected to see a pay cut.

However, network identities who managed to re-negotiate their contracts earlier - including Millionaire Hot Seat host and former Nine CEO Eddie McGuire - reportedly on $4 million per year - and The Footy Show star Sam Newman - believed to be in receipt of $3 million over 3 years - are expected to retain their current earnings.

Earlier this week, Channel Nine was voted the most "unreliable" Australian television network in an online poll.