By now, most are familiar with the heavy shitstorm that was ’60 Minutes’ failed kidnapping of a child in Lebanon, which resulted in four journalists being locked up in a Beirut prison for a fortnight, and potential criminal charges from the country’s officials.
This week, the Nine Network handed down the findings of an internal review into the incident and ultimately decided to sack long-serving producer Stephen Rice.
It’s now being alleged Rice has lawyered up in response to his termination, hiring high-profile workplace lawyer John Laxon, who previously represented ex-Nine boss Mark Llewellyn in his famous case against the network.
A ‘close friend of Rice’s’ spoke to The Daily Telegraph, saying that Rice was blindsided.
“They said right from the beginning no one was going to get the sack. Because of this he wasn’t legally represented at the review and hadn’t sought any legal advice.[He’s spent] the last four weeks or so since coming out of prison believing he was safe in his job.Whatever his mistakes were, he was there with Nine’s full knowledge and blessing.Steve has realised that he needs representation. Having the network name him (as the main person responsible for Beirut) has damaged his career, his reputation and his prospects of earning income.”
Reporter Tara Brown, cameraman Ben Williamson, and sound recordist David Ballment only received formal cautions.
The network aired their mea culpa regarding the massive incident two nights ago, with over 700,000 people tuning in hear ’60 Minutes’ founder and former executive producer Gerald Stone slamming the actions of the team.
Source: Daily Telegraph.
