Seven executives nervous as ABC puts spotlight on ’blokey’ newsroom

A bombshell investigation which has media executives nervous is just around the corner, according to insiders, with pictures obtained showing an ABC reporter for the program outside Channel Seven.

ABC's Louise Milligan filming out the front of 7 late last night. Picture: Supplied

It’s the bombshell investigation which has media executives nervous and according to insiders, its slated air date is just around the corner.

Four Corners’ investigation into the toxic culture at a number of Sydney newsrooms is almost complete.

Sunday Confidential has obtained images of ABC reporter Louise Milligan recording a piece to camera outside of Seven’s headquarters this week, reigniting chatter about the upcoming Four Corners episode which investigating newsroom cultures.

Milligan - who herself was a reporter in the Seven newsroom 20 years ago and knows many the people involved first hand - could be seen standing in front of Seven’s Sydney newsroom with cameraman and two other ABC staff members.

ABC's Louise Milligan filming out the front of Seven headquarters on Thursday night. Picture: Supplied

ABC's Louise Milligan filming out the front of Seven Network on Thursday night. Pic: Supplied

“They are focusing on a culture that was blokey and old school and whether it was a safe environment for women,” one insider said.

“I know they have contacted a number of women who worked at 7News or still do to see if they have been mistreated.

“Mid way through the investigation, the (Darren) Wick stuff broke, so the ABC wondered whether to broaden the story to be about commercial TV rather than just 7 as it seems Nine is as bad and they have chosen to.”

Former 7 News journalist Robert Ovadia.

Former Nine News chief Darren Wick. Source: Supplied

Senior Channel 7 journalist Robert Ovadia, who worked for the company for 23 years, was sacked last month by the broadcaster following an internal investigation into allegations of improper conduct.

It came after reporters at Four Corners show learnt about an inappropriate image allegedly sent by Ovadia to another journalist, and started inquiring about it.

It’s understood the junior producer, who no longer works at Channel 7, never officially complained about the image, however, the image was sent to Four Corners.

There is no suggestion the allegations are proven and Ovadia has previously said they were unfounded and he would defend himself.

Seven has denied Seven’s latest news director Anthony De Ceglie has ordered an investigation after reacting nervously to industry reports claiming the ABC’s program had started to investigate the culture at Seven.

It is also believed Nine’s newsroom is also being investigated.

It has been battling a scandal after it was revealed former news boss Darren Wick left the station following a complaint by a female employee.

Other staff has since made allegations of bullying and sexual harassment at the network, prompting Nine to conduct its own investigation.

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