Despite a challenging start, 7News Spotlight commits to airing 24 episodes this season.
7News Spotlight is on the hunt for a new executive producer following the departure of Mark Llewellyn, confirmed last week.
The Australian reports Phil Goyen has been filing in as EP while the search for a new boss is underway. Head of News & Public Affairs Craig McPherson addressed Spotlight staff last Tuesday to assure them some 24 episodes would run this year -two have screened thus far.
It follows a rocky season start for the show with the departure of Llewellyn and headlines surrounding allegations made recently in the Lehrmann / Channel 10 defamation trial.
Seven denied those claims. Meanwhile newly-installed CEO Jeff Howard told staff in an email last week,
“Our business exists in a world of intense competition. Are, we the only ones who pay for content? Absolutely not. Should we be honest about it Absolutely. We all want to win. Do we condone a ‘win at all costs’ attitude? No, we don’t.”
Howard urged staff to stick to tried and tested processes and to exercise judgment to “ensure we don’t jeopardise the reputation we’ve spent years building.”
“If poor judgement or unacceptable behaviour persists, or is outside our comfort zone, we will investigate. If necessary, we will have to move people on.”
The message from Howard comes after the exit of previous CEO James Warburton on Thursday, in an email to staff Warburton said that he was
“incredibly proud of everything we’ve achieved and how the business is positioned for the future”.
“I’m proud to have restored Seven to #1 in ratings in record time (two years) and #1 in revenue. Only two CEOs (and their teams) have achieved that in the history of Seven – the late, great and dearly loved David Leckie (and team) and our current team. So to all of you, congratulations.
“We have fought hard in the industry to implement VOZ and accurately measure audiences with the crucial inclusion of digital with a focus on the vital national number. With our unbeatable national footprint across Seven and 7plus, Seven will NEVER be beaten in the ratings on a national total TV basis (VOZ).”
In his outgoing email, Warburton said that he wants the TV industry to
“stand up and defend itself from its critics”.
“I’ve always fought for the power of free to air TV and total TV and VOZ will continue to prove the naysayers wrong. When the market bounces back – which it will – it will reinforce the power of FTA,”
“My sincere thanks and gratitude to the chairman and the board for their leadership, commitment, and unwavering support.”
“Television is a team sport and a team effort, and not many people can say they’ve led the best in the business. I can, and it’s been an almighty honour.”
SOURCES: The Australian and B&T
