Nine Entertainment has closed an exclusive with the family of four-year-old Cleo Smith, reportedly paying as much as $2 million for the abduction story.
The Australian newspaper says the deal -- which would be the largest payout for one story in Australia -- was negotiated by talent agent Max Markson.
Brant Webb and Todd Russell, survivors of the Beaconsfield mine disaster, were paid about $1 million each in 2006.
However, the latest example checkbook journalism is unusual. The days of large cash payments for exclusives -- more usual during big circulation magazine fights and peak televsion ratings wars -- were thought to be over.
Nine would not comment on payments.
Darren Wick, Director of News & Current Affairs, Nine: "We are honoured that the family of Cleo Smith has chosen to tell their story to Nine.
"From a 60 Minutes story to other opportunities across Nine, we will continue to support Cleo and her family as they go through the court process, and we take our legal obligations around reporting on Cleo’s story extremely seriously."
Cleo disappeared October 16 from her family's tent while on a weekend break near Carnarvon in the North West. She was found alive and well 18 days later on November 3.
A 36-year-old man has been charged.
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