Channel 7 reporter Robert Ovadia sacked by the commercial network
Robert Ovadia, one of Seven’s most senior journalists, has been sacked following allegations of inappropriate conduct.
Channel 7 journalist Robert Ovadia has been sacked by the TV network following an investigation into allegations of inappropriate conduct.
The Sydney-based senior reporter, who has worked at the network for 23 years, said on Friday he had been axed by the TV station.
“Yes I’ve been sacked and there will be more to say about that in the appropriate forum at the appropriate time,” Ovadia told The Australian.
Ovadia engaged high-profile lawyer John Laxon to represent him in the matter.
A Seven spokeswoman would not comment.
It was revealed on June 7 Ovadia had been stood down pending an investigation and The Australian revealed days later the matter involved emails exchanged four years ago between Ovadia and a former Seven female employee.
The content of the emails is unknown.
Seven said earlier this month: “Seven is conducting an investigation into allegations of inappropriate behaviour by Robert Ovadia.”
There is no suggestion the allegations have been proven and when previously responding to the allegations, Ovadia said they were malicious and he would defend himself.
Ovadia’s sacking comes amid an exit of numerous senior males at Seven in the past month and following the appointment of Anthony De Ceglie as Seven West Media’s new director of news and current affairs and editor-in-chief.
De Ceglie replaced Craig McPherson who departed in April following claims that were made by former Spotlight producer Taylor Auerbach who alleged the network paid for sex workers and cocaine in order to secure an exclusive sit-down interview with former Liberal staffer Bruce Lehrmann.
Seven has vehemently denied Auerbach’s claims.
Recent changes at Seven include the departure of Sydney news director Neil Warren, Sydney’s chief of staff Andrew Frampton, Melbourne’s news director Shaun Menegola and Melbourne-based crime reporter Cameron Baud.
Rival network Nine has also been dealing with issues that engulfed the station after The Australian revealed last month former news boss Darren Wick left the network after a complaint was made by a female employee over allegations of inappropriate conduct by him.
It has resulted in many past and present employees coming forward to reveal claims of bullying and sexual harassment at the network and prompted Nine to establish an independent investigation into behaviour at the TV station.
Wick has never spoken publicly since the complaint was revealed.
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