Channel 7’s wage blunder exposed as dozens owed thousands

An internal review has revealed misclassifications of Seven Network staff dating back years, prompting the network to compensate ex‑staff — with some set for huge payouts.

Channel 7 headquarters at Mount Coot-Tha.

Seven Network will pay tens of thousands of dollars to former staff after a review uncovered errors in role classifications that left some journalists underpaid for years.

The broadcaster confirmed it is notifying roughly 30 former staff impacted by the error, following routine internal audits conducted earlier this year.

In April, about 30 current staff were told their role classifications had been entered incorrectly in the company’s payroll system, and payments were made to rectify the mistake.

A further review has now identified approximately 30 former staff impacted by the error.

“Through regular payroll checking processes, we identified a small number of journalists who had incorrect classifications for their roles input into our payroll system,” a Seven spokesman said.

“The classifications have been corrected and we have apologised to those impacted.”

It is understood the payments for former staff will be “processed shortly”.

Sources have told The Courier‑Mail that the payments were calculated pre‑tax and pre‑superannuation, with both current and former staff allegedly receiving lump sums of up to $20,000 — and in some cases, as much as $50,000.

The dismissal of veteran journalist Sharyn Ghidella was one of many scandals that rocked the network in rceent years. Photo: Network 10.

Several former staff expressed confusion when the emails arrived with only an employee number, no name, and came from a generic Seven address notifying them they were entitled to back payments — prompting some to fear the message was a scam.

While staff are largely pleased that the error has been identified and payments are being made, some have expressed disappointment that had the money been paid correctly at the time, superannuation would have accrued — a benefit they now miss out on.

It is understood the issue impacted staff across the Seven Network nationally, and the company has confirmed that all affected current and former employees have been contacted.

The revelations come after several years of turbulence at the Seven Network.

In 2023 and 2024, a series of controversies, from the fallout of a paid interview with Bruce Lehrmann, to a Four Corners investigation into bullying and harassment, and the dismissals of veteran journalists including Sharyn Ghidella, put the company under intense scrutiny.

These controversies, compounded by legal challenges and a sharp financial downturn that triggered job cuts and executive reshuffles, have left staff cautious yet hopeful that the network is now prioritising accountability and precision.

“After a tough run for the company, a lot of us are just relieved to see Seven crossing its t’s and dotting its i’s, making sure things are done right and fairly from now on,” a source said.

Originally published as Channel 7’s wage blunder exposed as dozens owed thousands