The Seven Network is seeking to suppress “lewd” emails included in a workers’ compensation claim brought by one of its former television journalists.
Amelia Saw has filed a lawsuit against Seven in the Federal Court alleging she experienced a “hostile work environment” while working on the Spotlight show.
On Friday, Seven sought to have parts of that statement removed from publication, claiming its publication would impede the administration of justice.
Lawyer Kate Eastman SC, for the broadcaster, said making the document public ahead of a court-ordered mediation could affect prospects of resolving the case.
The suppression order would also cover an amended statement of claim which the court heard contained “large blocks” of “potentially lewd communications”.
Saw brought her claim last month under the Fair Work Act, alleging Seven’s flagship current affairs program created a hostile work environment for women.
Judge Nye Perram previously ordered Saw and Seven to participate in mediation next month.
Eastman said on Friday that Saw had a “right to be heard” but that publishing her full claim before mediation would put Seven in an “extremely difficult position” and lead to “one-sided” comments in the media.
The Seven Network is seeking to suppress “lewd” emails included in a workers’ compensation claim brought by one of its former journalists. Amelia Saw Saw worked for Spotlight in 2002 and her claim is understood to name several high-profile Seven employees.
Saw’s lawyer, Philip Boncardo, opposed the suppression of the documents, saying the move represented an “extraordinary and unprecedented application.”
Boncardo said Seven had already publicly denied that his client’s claim had merit and sought to keep its details secret to avoid embarrassment.
After Saw launched her claim, a Seven spokesperson said: “Seven Network strongly and categorically rejects Amelia Saw’s allegations as reported in the media today.”
When Judge Perram asked Mr Boncardo why Saw wanted his claim made public, he said there was no “strategic benefit” but the suppression order was unnecessary.
Boncardo said that while some of the relevant material might not be advantageous to Saw, the network maintained it could be “humiliating, degrading and embarrassing” to Seven.
“The only thing that is going to be made public are accusations,” Boncardo said.
“(We are) confident that the public understands the distinction between a mere accusation and a determination of fact.”
Judge Perram reserved his opinion.
Spotlight’s reputation was first tarnished when producer Taylor Auerbach claimed that Bruce Lehrmann had been supplied with drugs and prostitutes in exchange for his explosive exclusive interview about Brittany Higgins’ rape allegations.
Saw worked for Spotlight for around a year in 2022 and his claim is understood to name several high-profile Siete journalists. Seven is yet to file a defense to its claim.
Saw’s legal action comes after a difficult year for Seven and the Spotlight programme.
His reputation was first tarnished when producer Taylor Auerbach claimed that Bruce Lehrmann had been supplied with drugs and prostitutes in exchange for his explosive exclusive interview about Brittany Higgins’ rape allegations.
Spotlight executive producer Mark Llewellyn eventually resigned from the network, although both he and Seven denied Lehrmann’s claims.
Llewellyn is not alleged to have supplied the drugs or the prostitutes.
More recently, veteran reporter Robert Ovadia was sacked after Seven said in court that allegations of inappropriate conduct had been made against him.
Ovadia then launched proceedings against Seven for unfair dismissal, but later dropped his legal action due to the cost and “emotional toll” involved.
The network’s problems were compounded when ABC’s Four Corners investigative program delved into Seven’s culture.
Female employees described it as a “toxic” and “heartbreaking” work environment.
Veteran reporter Robert Ovadia was sacked after Seven said in court that allegations of inappropriate conduct had been made against him. Ovadia denied the allegations.
One journalist claimed he jumped in front of a moving car after suffering “crippling” anxiety, while another called Seven one of the most “degrading” workplaces.
Former Channel Seven news presenter Sharyn Ghidella was one of 150 Seven West Media employees made redundant in July.
He watched the Four Corners investigation and admitted he had seen problematic behavior during his 17 years at the network.
“I saw it, it was information I already knew,” he said.
The investigation’s revelations prompted an apology from CEO Jeff Howard.
‘If any of the issues you raise were not adequately addressed, that disappoints me; “We should have done better and for that I feel sorry for those affected,” he wrote.
Howard said Seven’s management is reviewing workplace policies and culture over some of the issues raised on the network.
“Several individuals who have displayed behavior that does not reflect 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, behavior and attitude of the company as a whole, which is home to some of Australia’s best, hardest-working and most passionate media professionals.”
