Strange times indeed in the world of Sydney media, with a bitter dispute between Seven Network producer Steve Jackson and his one-time close friend, Taylor Auerbach, going truly public in the last week.

Auerbach is a former Seven reporter who secured Spotlight’s interview with Bruce Lehrmann – before Jackson took over as producer. The program received a Walkley Award nomination – only to lose it once it emerged the political staffer had been remunerated for his appearance.