Seven’s ‘bullyboy’ tactics slammed as network wins new gag on Spotlight journo’s blockbuster allegations

Seven bosses have been branded bullies after winning another court bid to silence a former employee over the disclosure of ‘lascivious’ emails in a workplace compensation claim.

TV journalist Amelia Saw has filed a claim in the Federal Court against Seven, alleging she experienced a ‘hostile work environment’ while working on the flagship Spotlight programme.

But Seven has won a court order preventing details of the case from being made public.

“They want the media silenced and the details of what happened kept secret,” said a source close to the case. ‘You have to wonder what they are so concerned about.

‘Amelia is more than ready to have this whole case blown wide open and her lawyers have been pushing for it.

“She will not let them bully her and wants to hold them accountable.”

The striking out order applies to an amended statement of claim which the court heard contained ‘large records’ potentially ‘lascivious communications’.

Saw filed its action under the Fair Work Act last month, claiming Seven’s flagship current affairs program created a hostile work environment for women.

Judge Nye Perram had previously ordered Saw and Seven to enter mediation next month.

The network’s lawyer Kate Eastman SC said last week that making the document public before court-ordered mediation could affect the prospects for a resolution of the case.

But Philip Boncardo, appearing for Saw, described Seven’s actions as ‘extraordinary and unprecedented’.

Ms Eastman said last week that Saw had “the right to be heard” but that releasing her full claim before mediation would put Seven in an “extremely difficult position” and result in “one-sided” media commentary.

After Saw launched her claim, a spokesperson for Seven said: ‘Seven Network strongly and categorically rejects Amelia Saw’s allegations as reported by the media today.’

When Judge Perram asked Mr Boncardo why Saw wanted to make its claim public, he said there was no “strategic advantage” but the suppression order was unnecessary.

Mr Boncardo said that while some of the relevant material might not be to Saw’s benefit, the network claimed it could be “degrading, humiliating and embarrassing” for Seven.

“All that’s being put out there are accusations,” Boncardo said.

‘[We are] I am confident that the public understands the distinction between a mere accusation and a statement of fact.”

Saw worked for Spotlight for about a year in 2022 and her claim is believed to involve several high-profile Seven journalists. Seven has yet to file a defense to her claim.

Saw’s legal action comes after a difficult year for Seven and the Spotlight programme.

Its reputation was tarnished when producer Taylor Auerbach alleged that Bruce Lehrmann was given drugs and prostitutes in exchange for giving an exclusive interview about Brittany Higgins’ rape allegations.

Spotlight’s executive producer Mark Llewellyn eventually resigned from the network, although both he and Seven denied Lehrmann’s claims.

Llewellyn allegedly did not supply the drugs or prostitutes.

More recently, veteran reporter Robert Ovadia was fired after Seven said in court that allegations of inappropriate behavior had been made against him.

Ovadia subsequently launched proceedings against Seven for wrongful dismissal, but later dropped his legal action due to the costs and ’emotional toll’ involved.

The network’s problems were compounded when ABC’s investigative Four Corners program delved into Seven’s culture.

Female employees describe it as a “toxic” and “soul-crushing” work environment.

One journalist claimed she jumped in front of a moving car after being left in ‘paralyzing’ fear, while another called Seven one of the most ‘degrading’ places to work.

Former Channel Seven newsreader Sharyn Ghidella was among 150 Seven West Media employees who were made redundant in July.

She looked at the Four Corners investigation and admitted that she had seen problematic behavior during her seventeen years at the network.

“I looked into it, it was information I kind of already knew about,” she said.

Revelations from the investigation led to an apology from CEO Jeff Howard.

“If any of the issues they mention are not properly addressed, it disappoints me; we should have done better, and for that I am sorry to those affected,” he wrote.

Mr Howard said Seven’s management is reviewing workplace policies and culture on some of the issues raised at the network.

“A number of individuals who have exhibited behavior inconsistent with SWM’s values ​​have already been removed from the organization,” he wrote.

“I want to be very clear that the actions of some individuals do not reflect the values, behaviors and attitudes of the business as a whole, which is home to some of the best, hardest-working and most passionate media professionals in Australia.”