Seven board member and beyondblue founder Jeff Kennett has gone back on some of his criticism of a story on ABC’s 7.30 about the TV network sacking cadet reporter Amy Taeuber.
Kennett came out firing on Twitter about the report on Monday night’s episode of 7.30, claiming it was “not a factually correct story” and had “no seeking of balance in the interests of accuracy”.
Sadly not a factually correct story. 7 not approached for comment so no balance. why does the ABC fail so often to seek balance in stories
— Jeff Kennett (@jeff_kennett) September 26, 2017
Only after we heard they were going to run a story. no seeking of balance in the interests of accuracy
— Jeff Kennett (@jeff_kennett) September 26, 2017
However, in an interesting turn of events, Kennett has now apologised to the journo responsible for the story – Lousie Milligan – for claiming she didn’t seek comment from Seven, but noted that he still stands by his view that the report was unbalanced.
Louise I apologise. I have now been informed ABC contacted 7 Mon afternoon, just before your deadline, some issues you put to air not 1/2
— Jeff Kennett (@jeff_kennett) September 27, 2017
1/2 discussed. That said my comment of no contact incorrect and for that I apologise I do not resile from the report being unbalanced Cheers
— Jeff Kennett (@jeff_kennett) September 27, 2017
The 7.30 report focused on Seven’s handling of a workplace investigation and sexual harassment claim involving former employee Amy Taeuber.
The network subsequently denied the allegations and countered claims made by 7.30 that it refused to offer its side of the story in a statement.
Seven has been slammed from all angles over its handling of the Amy Taeuber case, with the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance urging the network to change its “toxic” ways.
It also drew heavy criticism from the public as well as others in the media industry.
Even the former mistress of Seven West Media CEO Tim Worner, Amber Harrison (pictured above) has had her say on the case in a series of tweets:
Systemic abuse of power and toxic corporate culture that protects the men and disposes of the women #abc730 https://t.co/nIFiawtHVy
— Amber Harrison (@_Amber_Harrison) September 26, 2017
So @amytaeuber was targeted because she stood up for herself. More power to her #abc730
— Amber Harrison (@_Amber_Harrison) September 26, 2017
Our examples are extreme (and public), but this happens every day, to many of you. Corporation vs Individual isn’t a fair fight #abc730
— Amber Harrison (@_Amber_Harrison) September 26, 2017
— Amber Harrison (@_Amber_Harrison) September 26, 2017
