It’s been revealed tensions are high at Channel 10 with its political editor refusing to be on air with some network stars
There have been ‘shockwaves’ in the Channel 10 newsroom, according to The Daily Mail, with political editor Peter van Onselen reportedly refusing to appear with presenters who have publicly backed an employee suing the network.
Reporter Tegan George claims she was bullied during her time at the Canberra press gallery where she reported to Van Onselen.
Now Van Onselen is reportedly refusing to engage with Narelda Jacobs and Lachlan Kennedy. Both presenters have made public donations to the ‘fighting’ fund set up to help Tegan’s legal battle against her bosses at the network.
The outlet reports Van Onselen has indicated to the network he feels uncomfortable working with colleagues who have publicly sided with George over ‘unfounded’ allegations.
It has resulted in him refusing to be seen with those presenters on air in live crosses.
With the Federal Budget just handed down and a Federal Election around the corner, that is limiting for news bosses who rely on his commentary and insight during news programs.
*Please note any commentary here is not about the validity of Tegan’s claims or her court action.
It was an extraordinary sight to see employees of a network publicly support an employee suing the network. It is certainly something that wouldn’t be tolerated at other networks.
And that’s why Van Onselen is well within his rights to refuse to appear with these presenters.
I’ll be honest, if I was a boss at Channel 10 those presenters would have been suspended.
When I was sacked by Channel 10 it would have been wonderful to have public support, but I knew that wasn’t possible. And it would have been even worse if those who privately supported me had put money into a public GOFUNDME campaign.
It’s just not the done thing.
Tegan George has every right to take her claims to court (and she has my support on that front as I know what a tough decision that is) but Van Onselen also has every right to defend himself.
Presenters giving money to the person suing the network they work for (and therefore backing her claims) is not only disloyal to their employer, it could also be an indication to any court those claims are true.
While I admire Jacobs and Kennedy for taking a stand, I also can’t blame van Onselen for the stand he has taken.
This is very, very messy – that’s for sure.
