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Packer's
parting shot in the TV ratings war - 28th January
2006
(Credit:
The Sydney Morning Herald)
The actor Russell Crowe and cricket
commentator Richie Benaud are expected to deliver
eulogies at what is shaping up to be the TV event
of the year: Kerry Packer's memorial service.
The
taxpayer-funded event in the Opera House on February
17 will be attended by casino lords, captains
of industry and sporting legends.
Crowe
had an enduring friendship with Mr Packer, the
pair holding court at last year's lavish film
premiere for Cinderella Man in Sydney, when Crowe
revealed his old mate had been moved to tears
by his portrayal of a depression-era boxer.
Benaud
became close to Mr Packer when he launched World
Series Cricket, and his famous pale jackets were
Mr Packer's idea.
Hundreds
of notifications for the state memorial service
were sent to politicians, business leaders, media
people and Mr Packer's friends yesterday.
The
public has also been invited to attend via advertisements
placed in newspapers today.
Speculation
is mounting on who will host Channel Nine's telecast
of the event: will it be Ray Martin or Jana Wendt?
Staff
at Nine are putting together a three-minute tape
of tributes from people close to Mr Packer, which
will be broadcast during the memorial service.
Nine's
documentary on the channel's late boss is expected
to be broadcast in prime time in the week leading
up to the event.
Among
Mr Packer's close friends expected to attend the
service are Alan Jones, John and Caroline Laws,
his poker buddy Robert Whyte, and the executor
of his will, Lloyd Williams.
The
service may also provide a rare public glimpse
of Trevor Kennedy, who is embroiled in an investigation
over Swiss bank accounts, and David Gyngell, who
quit as Nine's boss last May after a row with
Mr Packer.
Other
names being mentioned include Rupert Murdoch,
Bill Gates, Frank Lowy, Ita Buttrose and the Las
Vegas casino magnate Steve Wynn. Jeni
Porter, Andrew Hornery, Lisa Murray and James
Chessell
Profiles
Kerry
Packer
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