A private spat between current and former members of flagship current affairs program Spotlight led to allegations coming to light of the efforts the show went to in order to secure a two-part exclusive interview series with Bruce Lehrmann.
In a direct reference to the Lehrmann interviews, Howard told staff the company will “absolutely” be honest about where and when it pays or makes contributions in exchange for securing access or stories.
Loading
Seven made public statements rejecting evidence given by former producer Taylor Auerbach at Lehrmann’s defamation trial against Network Ten that Seven reimbursed the accused rapist for cocaine and sex workers while in a negotiation period for the interviews, among other benefits such as accommodation, meals, and a golf trip to Tasmania.
Auerbach is now threatening to sue Seven, Warburton, former commercial director Bruce McWilliam and Spotlight producer Robert McKnight for making those public statements accusing him of lying after Justice Michael Lee’s judgment on the Lehrmann case on Monday. Justice Lee ruled to a civil standard that Lehrmann raped former Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins.
Seven West also wrongly identified the Bondi Junction mass murderer as a 20-year-old university student, who is threatening to sue the network, while its attempts to cover up a separate expenses scandal, as revealed by this masthead, also exposed the inner workings of the company at an executive level.
Auerbach, Spotlight boss Mark Llewellyn, senior Spotlight producer Steve Jackson, McWilliam and Warburton have all left Seven. Speculation is rife within senior circles, according to multiple staffers not authorised to speak publicly, that McPherson’s position is considered “untenable” when his division has caused such controversy.
“7News have let us all down,” one of the senior executives told this masthead. “It’s been mistake after mistake.”
Seven’s share price jumped to a month-long high on Thursday of 21¢. It sat at 20¢ as of midday on Friday.
The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning.