ABC has declined to comment on re-editing its promo for tonight’s Four Corners episode, which centres around Seven network workplace allegations.
According to The Australian, law firm Herbert Smith Freehills issued a legal letter to the ABC, “reminding it to be extremely careful before airing the program, given at least one of the interview subjects featured in the promo is already subject to strict gag orders”.
The promo re-emerged sans former Seven executive assistant Amber Harrison. It remains unclear if she will be seen in the episode.
Tomorrow, #4Corners will broadcast an investigation into Channel #Seven, Don’t Speak. Reflecting on how accurate this title currently is. And what that means, for a media company. Thanks for all the support over the weekend. Tune in tomorrow. Support public interest journalism. pic.twitter.com/6CvcnEjSoa
— Louise Milligan (@Milliganreports) August 11, 2024
Yet changing the promo is unlikely to halt the interest and controversy in the report by Louise Milligan, which drops a week before Seven hosts the industry’s own Logie Awards.
In other developments, former Spotlight executive producer Mark Llewellyn told ABC, “I categorically deny engaging in any conduct that is anti-Semitic or which constitutes bullying, discrimination or misconduct.”
Former Seven News reporter Robert Ovadia is also proceeding with legal action in the Federal Court against Seven and news boss Anthony De Ceglie, following his sudden departure.
Meanwhile Seven CEO Jeff Howard also issued an all-staff email, the Daily Telegraph reports.
“By now I’m sure many of you will have seen the promo for Monday’s Four Corners episode. We know they have been working on a story about Seven West Media for a while now. Some of you may have even been approached to participate; unfortunately it looks like a few may have taken up the offer,” his email said.
The lengthy email went on to say that many of the matters expected to be raised in the program are “historical ones” which he said had already been “well ventilated”.
“If any of the issues they call out weren’t appropriately addressed, that disappoints me; we should have done better, and for that I’m sorry to those affected.”
Mr Howard, who was part of the executive team under former CEO James Warburton, told staff that Seven’s management team was looking at workplace policies, procedures and culture, “particularly around some of the issues that have arisen this year.”
“A number of people who have displayed behaviour not reflective of SWM’s values have already been removed from the organisation,” he said.
“We have a great team…I want to be really clear that the actions of some individuals do not reflect the values, behaviour and attitude of the business as a whole, which is home to some of the best, hardest working and most passionate media professionals in Australia.”
Seven is not alone in how network managements have handled staffing matters of late (including even ABC in legal battles with staff), but tonight will be in the crosshairs and the subject of much media coverage.
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