Mark Llewellyn, the head of Seven‘s troubled current affairs show Spotlight, is reportedly in the midst of departure discussions with the network.
The development follows disclosures concerning the methods employed to obtain an exclusive interview with the former Liberal staffer Bruce Lehrmann.
While Channel 7 is not officially commenting on the departure, a high-ranking executive, who wished to remain anonymous has told SMH that Llewellyn is now engaged in negotiations concerning his potential exit, managed by his legal representative, John Laxon. The executive described Llewellyn‘s position within the network as increasingly precarious following the Auerbach controversy.
“In the wake of the Taylor [Auerbach] scandal, he’s a dead man walking,”
“He has appointed lawyers. The position is pretty untenable.”
The controversy erupted when Taylor Auerbach, a former producer for Spotlight, alleged that the network reimbursed Bruce Lehrmann for expenses related to sex workers and cocaine prior to securing an exclusive interview with him. This interview was broadcast in June 2023, amidst considerable attention.
Sources within the network have indicated to The Australian that Llewellyn, who was observed at Seven‘s offices in Eveleigh, Sydney, on the day of his departure, may not be the sole individual exiting the network as it grapples with the fallout from the scandal. The network is currently in the process of attempting to mend its tarnished reputation.
Seven has staunchly refuted allegations suggesting that it financially supported Lehrmann’s purported activities or possessed any corporate awareness of such matters.
The situation became more complicated when, in November 2022, Auerbach communicated his desire to resign through a text message to Llewellyn, following an admission of incurring $10,000 in questionable expenses on a company credit card. Auerbach clarified that these expenditures were unrelated to his professional duties and omitted any mention of Lehrmann’s involvement.
Despite Auerbach’s confession, his resignation was not accepted immediately, and he remained with Seven until his contract concluded and was not renewed the subsequent year.
The decision not to terminate Auerbach after his admission of misusing company funds has reportedly been a contentious issue in the discussions surrounding Llewellyn’s departure and his severance package. It is understood that Llewellyn has denied any responsibility in the decision to retain Auerbach within the network.
Spotlight is set to broadcast its first episode of the new season this coming Sunday, featuring an investigative report on the weight loss drug Ozempic, presented by journalist Michael Usher.
In the meantime, Llewellyn has shared updates via his Instagram account, noting that he is “out of town” on a “long planned rugby trip”.
SOURCES: SMH and The Australian
