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Green light likely for Nine's Underbelly

CHANNEL Nine's controversial $13 million Underbelly TV series about Melbourne's gangland war could air from Wednesday after an 11th-hour deal between the broadcaster and the Victorian Office of Public Prosecutions.

The deal, which is thought to have involved a high-powered Nine negotiator flying in from Sydney, is believed to include the potential adjournment of a murder trial. The accused in the case cannot be named for legal reasons.

The suggested solution depends entirely on the agreement of Victorian Supreme Court judge Justice Betty King. It is believed Justice King is aware of the proposed deal but will get a full briefing tomorrow.

After losing last year's ratings to Seven, Nine needs Underbelly to attract large numbers of viewers to underpin its ratings strategy this year.

By Seamus Bradley
February 10, 2008
The Age