Page 13: Leaked news emails ‘like a bomb went off’

To say there was a commotion when our story dropped last week about toxic culture in the Seven newsroom is putting it mildly. According to one insider, the fallout among the warring reporters “was like a bomb went off”.

Channel 7 newsroom drama - reporters

To say there was a commotion when our story dropped last week about toxic culture in the Seven newsroom is putting it mildly.

“It was like a bomb went off,” said one insider after Page 13 was sent leaked emails from executive producer Lynne Scrivens to 7 News Melbourne female staffers.

They were told in no uncertain terms to stop the “bitchiness and back stabbing.”

TV networks are the leakiest of ships and our phone has been buzzing this week with insiders dishing out their own juicy versions of events.

Again it’s too good not to share.

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CH7 NEWSROOM DRAMA REACHES BOILING POINT

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Emily Angwin hit back at the emails, defending all reporters. Picture: Stephen Harman

Page 13’s favourite “reveal” is the “black book.” which used to sit on the production desk at 7 News to record “the profane and the offensive.”

Come again?

Politically incorrect or black humour is often shouted out in the frenzy of an approaching deadline.

Offensive, sexist and just down right rude remarks were recorded in the 7 News black book — “put it in the book” was often bellowed — only for the comments to be read out at the annual Christmas party to much haw-hawing and back slapping.

But where everything finds its way onto the worldwide web, it’s better not to write things down.

Former news director Simon Pristel knew the black book would eventually end up in wrong hands and banned it.

7 News Melbourne director of news Shaun Menegola in Perth.

But what about new 7 News Melbourne news director Shaun Menegola?

The guy is not afraid to stand up to the big boys. Even if it gets him boned.

During his time as Seven’s Perth director of news, Menegola was asked by one of Kerry Stokes’ cronies if they could borrow the news helicopter for the supremo to get to an appointment.

A firm “no,” was the answer to any high flying for the 7 high flyer. The chopper was needed for breaking news stories.

Menegola later found himself working over at Channel 9.

All has been forgiven and straight-talkin’ Menegola is back in the Seven stable and taking a “firm but fair” approach.

He has “galvanised” the mean girls and bitten down on those tattling tongues, even telling employees to stop any thoughts of a witch hunt or inquisition into the leaks, as times had now changed and it would just be a “waste of time.”

But it’s not all a big stick approach. Menegola has put up a bottle of wine to be given each week for the “best piece to camera.”

It’s all positively kumbaya.