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Channel Nine staff viciously attacked on streets of Paris

<p>In a troubling incident that raises serious concerns over safety at the Paris Olympics, two radio technicians from Channel Nine's Olympic team were attacked on Tuesday evening in an apparent attempted robbery. This attack occurred <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/aussie-woman-s-horror-assault-in-paris-days-before-olympics" target="_blank" rel="noopener">just days after the alleged gang rape</a> of a 25-year-old Australian woman in the French capital, highlighting escalating security risks as the Games approach.</p> <p>Channel Nine’s Director of Sport, Brent Williams (pictured above), informed staff that the two technicians had left the International Broadcast Centre and were walking to their accommodation in the north-eastern suburb of Le Bourget when they were assaulted by a group of men.</p> <p>Describing the incident as "an assault of a serious physical nature", Williams confirmed that the victims managed to escape and find safety. The incident has been reported to the police.</p> <p>In light of this attack, Nine has reminded its staff to stay vigilant and to remove their Olympic credentials when not required, especially when travelling. Broadcasters have been warned by security experts that despite increased military and police presence in the capital, criminals may still target those they perceive as vulnerable.</p> <p>This incident follows another harrowing event involving an Australian citizen. The Paris prosecutor's office has confirmed an investigation into the alleged gang rape of a 25-year-old Australian woman, which occurred on the night of July 19 to 20. The woman sought refuge in a café in the 18th arrondissement. French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin has stated that while the investigation is a matter for the police, he is closely monitoring developments.</p> <p>Darmanin has also issued a handwritten letter to all police officers, gendarmes, firefighters, emergency service personnel and intelligence agents, acknowledging the difficulty of their task.</p> <p>“The eyes of the world will be fixed on you," Darmanin wrote. "Your task will not be easy", urging them after four years of intense presentation to “present the most beautiful face of France”.</p> <p>The French authorities have deployed 35,000 police and gendarmes, with plans to increase this number to 45,000 for the opening ceremony. Additionally, 18,000 soldiers are on standby to counter potential threats, with an Islamist terror attack being the primary concern for organisers.</p> <p>As preparations continue, authorities are under immense pressure to safeguard the Games and mitigate the risks posed by criminal activities and potential terrorist threats. The world will be watching as Paris strives to balance the celebration of athletic achievement with the paramount need for security.</p> <p><em>Image: <span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji'; font-size: 16px; background-color: #ffffff;">Richard Ellis/UPI/Shutterstock Editorial </span></em></p>

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"Cut this rubbish out": Channel 7's fresh "news" segment slammed

<p>Channel 7's major bulletin shake up has not been well received by some viewers. </p> <p>On Friday night, they kicked off their new comedy segment with Mark Humphries, whose satirical humour was intended to be used to "cut through political spin and translate current affairs in the universal news language of taking the piss” according to appointed news director Anthony De Ceglie. </p> <p>Humphries’ three minutes comedy segment premiered under the banner <em>The 6.57pm News</em>, and was made to look like a continuation of the news. </p> <p>That night, they were discussing US President Joe Biden's press conference which aired earlier in the day. </p> <p>“His press conference was delayed for over an hour, presumably because the President was running late … or more likely waddling late,” Humphries said in the segment. </p> <p>“Biden who is 81 – but doesn’t look a day over 90 – spoke smoothly on a variety of issues and allayed voters fears about his age … is what I wish I could tell you.</p> <p>“Instead, this happened …”</p> <p>He then played a clip of Biden confusing  Kamala Harries with Donald Trump, followed by another clip of him whispering on the lectern. </p> <p>“Very reassuring and not weird at all,” the comic said.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C9TGVSTTozZ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C9TGVSTTozZ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Mark Humphries (@humphriesmark)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Humphries then tried to make a joke out of it saying that Biden was suffering from a condition called “that guy old” with symptoms including confusing names, long pauses, “and keeping your mouth just that little bit open with that slightly disappointed look like Bunnings just told you the sausage sizzle is closed”.</p> <p> “But if you think that’s bad, wait till you find out the condition the other candidate has ‘that guy convicted felon’,” he concluded. </p> <p>While some Channel 7 viewers "loved" it and thought it was “better than <em>The Project</em>,” a few others were less impressed. </p> <p>“This was an appalling segment … hire, rather than sack, journos,” read one comment on social media. </p> <p>“It was a deplorable segment that has no place in a news bulletin,” another added. </p> <p>"It was absolutely ridiculous. I hope channel 7 cut this rubbish out," wrote a third. </p> <p>"This was cringe," another said. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

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"Apparently, my time is up": Veteran Channel 7 anchor's abrupt departure

<p>Veteran Channel 7 anchor Sharyn Ghidella is leaving the network. </p> <p>After an almost two-decade career at the broadcaster's Brisbane bureau, the evening co-presenter announced her abrupt departure in an <a href="https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/tv/current-affairs/veteran-channel-7-anchor-sharyn-ghidella-informs-staff-of-her-immediate-departure-from-network/news-story/27acc9efc07bdd91a424bf28e7f1ae34" target="_blank" rel="noopener">all-staff email</a>, which was seen by news.com.au, on Friday. </p> <p>In the all-staff email reportedly seen by news.com.au, Ghidella said that her exit didn't pan out the way she'd hoped. </p> <p>“After 17 years at 7, apparently, my time is up,” she wrote.</p> <p>“It’s not quite how I expected it to end after 38 years in the industry, but hey, that’s TV.</p> <p>“I will certainly miss the friendships and the fun we have had, around what is, the serious business of news.”</p> <p>She was reportedly offered the opportunity to farewell viewers but declined. </p> <p>“I’m making a clean break, and I probably won’t get the chance to bid you farewell in person,” Ghidella she continued in the email. </p> <p>“But please know that I have held all of you in the highest regard during my time on the mountain and I thank you all, from the bottom of my heart, for everything you did to ensure we made it to air each night.”</p> <p>Ghidella also shared a statement on her <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sharyn.ghidella/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> page, talking about the changes Seven has underwent recently, including introducing a comedy segment and horoscope report to their national news offering. </p> <p>“I’m also not one to have my evening news served up with humour and horoscopes either, so, to be honest, it is time to go,” Ghidella wrote.</p> <p>Former newspaper editor Anthony De Ceglie, who replaced Craig McPherson as the network’s news director in April has also commended Ghidella for her "significant contribution" to the station. </p> <p>“We are grateful for her hard work and are sorry to see her go. She leaves with sincere thanks from everyone at Seven and our very best wishes for the future,” De Ceglie told news.com.au. </p> <p>Seven Brisbane’s Director of News Michael Coombes added, “For 17 years, Sharyn has been a welcome guest in lounge rooms across Queensland – always professional, always reliable, always warm.</p> <p>“But for all of us, she is so much more. A mentor, a colleague, a friend. I have nothing but admiration and gratitude for Sharyn. And we wish her every success for the future.”</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

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Sacked Seven reporter launches legal action

<p>Veteran journalist Robert Ovadia has launched legal action against Channel Seven and its news boss Anthony De Ceglie after claiming he was unlawfully <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/veteran-seven-reporter-sacked-over-misconduct-allegations" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sacked</a>. </p> <p>The well-known news reporter was let go from the network on June 21st, following allegations of "inappropriate behaviour", with the alleged conduct reportedly including the exchange of messages with a female colleague four years ago.</p> <p>Seven management only became aware of the allegedly inappropriate exchange when it was reportedly brought to their attention by the ABC’s <em>Four Corners</em> program, which was working on an investigation into allegations of a toxic culture at Seven.</p> <p>Now, reports from <em>The Australian</em> claim the journalist lodged paperwork with the Fair Work Commission last month just days after being axed.</p> <p>Ovadia's lawyer John Laxon has confirmed to <em><a href="https://www.news.com.au/finance/business/media/veteran-journalist-robert-ovadia-takes-legal-action-against-seven/news-story/4ef1a259b51f72e35381eb1571c56d09" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news.com.au</a></em> that a general protections application has been lodged seeking orders of compensation for his dismissal, reinstatement to his job and pecuniary penalties.</p> <p>The reporter, who worked at Seven for 23 years, has previously said any suggestion of inappropriate behaviour was “false, malicious and will be defended”.</p> <p>A Seven spokesperson told <em>The Australian</em> it took “very seriously any allegations in relation to sexual harassment, bullying and other behaviours deemed to be inappropriate within the workplace”.</p> <p>“We take complaints seriously, manage them confidentially and deal with any breaches decisively.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Seven</em></p>

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Dr Chris Brown's hilarious dig at Channel 10

<p>The new season of<em> Dancing With The Stars</em> premiered on Sunday night with <span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">Chris Brown</span><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">presenting alongside longtime host </span><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">Sonia Kruger</span><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;"> for the very first time.</span></p> <p>The former <em>Bondi Vet</em> star left Channel 10 to join Seven a year ago, and while things reportedly ended amicably between them, he couldn't help but take a dig at his former employer on<em> Dancing With The Stars.</em></p> <p>At the beginning of the episode, Sonia explained that all contestants were safe and “no one’s going home tonight”. </p> <p>Chris feigned relief that he was also "safe" and couldn't be fired on the first night of his new gig, to which Sonia quipped that only the dancers could be voted off and that she and Chris were "as safe as anyone can be in entertainment”.</p> <p>“Shout out to Channel 10,” he quickly remarked, eliciting laughter from the audience. </p> <p>The comment could be in reference to Channel 10 axing a handful of shows over the past few months, leaving several high-profile TV personalities out of work. </p> <p>Yahoo Lifestyle reported that the reboot of <em>Gladiators</em> had been cancelled after one season, and the network confirmed in May that both <em>The Bachelor </em>and <em>The Masked Singer </em>won't be returning this year. </p> <p>In another part of DWTS, Chris also joked abut how his previous role on Channel 10’s <em>The Living Room</em> made him “rivals” with<em> Better Homes and Gardens</em> presenter Adam Dovile.</p> <p>“Now Adam, we do need to address the elephant in the room,” he said.</p> <p>“We were TV rivals for many, many years in the cutthroat vicious world of Friday night lifestyle television.</p> <p>“It’s hard to even look you in the eye, the fury is so deep. But I can’t stay angry at you, look at that smile!”</p> <p><em>Images: Channel 10</em></p>

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Bruce Lehrmann ordered to pay millions to Network Ten

<p>Bruce Lehrmann has been ordered to pay a whopping $2 million to Network Ten to cover the network's legal fees from his failed defamation lawsuit. </p> <p>Lehrmann's suit against the network, and in turn <em>The Project</em> and Lisa Wilkinson, came to a end when Justice Michael Lee found he had, on the balance of probabilities, raped Brittany Higgins at Parliament House in March 2019.</p> <p>The former Liberal staffer's case was dismissed after Justice Lee concluded he was not defamed by Lisa Wilkinson's tell-all interview with Brittany Higgins on <em>The Project</em> in 2021.</p> <p>Following the conclusion of the case, Lehrmann was ordered to pay Network Ten's astonishing legal fees, returning to court on Thursday to discuss the manner in which they will be paid.</p> <p>Ten’s barrister Zoe Graus on Thursday told the court that the broadcaster had sought a $2m lump-sum payment from Mr Lehrmann which Justice Lee ordered that Lehrmann pay, though he noted Mr Lehrmann was a man of “modest means”.</p> <p>As a result, Mr Lehrmann could be forced into bankruptcy if he fails to meet the hefty costs order.</p> <p>The court was told that Network 10 had offered to pay Ms Wilkinson $607,850 for the journalist’s legal costs, given the fact that she had independent representation during the trial. </p> <p>However, an independent referee will determine the final amount to be paid to Wilkinson. </p> <p><em>Image credits: MICK TSIKAS/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Editorial </em></p>

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Channel 10 axes another show amid ratings crisis

<p>Channel 10 has decided to axe yet another popular show as they continue to grapple with declining ratings and viewers leaving. </p> <p>Following the cancellation of <em>The Bachelors </em>and <em>The Masked Singer</em>, <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-13449749/Channel-10-axes-amid-ratings-crisis-revealed-Channel-Seven-considering-saving-unlikely-series.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Daily Mail Australia</em></a> reported that the network was also cancelling <em>Gladiators</em>. </p> <p>Despite the show's success in the UK, the Australian reboot struggled to find the same effect as they failed to sustain their initial viewership. </p> <p>The show produced by Warner Bros and hosted by Beau Ryan and Liz Ellis was launched with high hopes and attracted 395,000 metro viewers during its premiere. </p> <p>However, by the second episode the numbers plummeted to just 196,000 - over half of the initial viewership. </p> <p>Critics on social media were also quick to point out the lack of crowd presence, despite the show being filmed under normal conditions, with one person saying: "It felt like watching an event without any real energy."</p> <p>The Traitors is another the show that was axed by the network after just two seasons, and now an insider has revealed that Channel Seven is considering commissioning the series.</p> <p>"The show's concept has potential, but it needs a fresh approach and a new platform," the insider told <em>Daily Mail Australia</em>. </p> <p>They also shared what's in store for Channel 10 as they attempt to revive their ratings. </p> <p>"Channel 10 is now deciding to put all their eggs in one basket, planning to roll out not one, but two seasons of Australian Survivor in 2025," the insider said. </p> <p>"They are putting together a 10th season special as well as an Australia vs USA Survivor all-star showdown which will be screened simultaneously in America and Down Under."</p> <p>A Channel 10 executive said: "Survivor has consistently performed well for us, and we believe this new approach will reignite audience interest."</p> <p>The <em>Daily Mail</em> reported that they have contacted Channel Seven and 10 for a comment. </p> <p><em>Image: Ten</em></p>

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“We’re now in a death spiral”: Complete collapse of Channel Ten predicted

<p>The future of Network Ten is in jeopardy, as the broadcaster continues to face dwindling ratings nationwide, while also juggling a turbulent ownership battle at its American parent company Paramount. </p> <p><a href="https://www.news.com.au/finance/business/media/network-10-is-in-total-turmoil-and-may-not-survive-as-australias-third-commercial-broadcaster/news-story/8834f836947d5f4ca478c9b88db9e47f" target="_blank" rel="noopener">According to a report by news.com.au</a>, the existence of the Network is in "total turmoil", after high profile shows such as <em>The Masked Singer</em> and <em>The Bachelor</em> have both been axed, leaving many wondering how long the broadcaster can stay afloat.</p> <p>Queensland University of Technology Professor Amanda Lotz, who leads the Transforming Media Industries research program, told the outlet that it’s unlikely Australia will still have three free-to-air commercial networks in the near future.</p> <p>“I would suspect by the end of the decade that we will have two commercial broadcasters,” Prof Lotz said. “It’s just math. We’re now in a death spiral. And eventually, it might be that we just have one.”</p> <p>QUT Professor Anna Potter, an expert in digital media and cultural studies, agreed that the landscape for commercial TV in Australia is now so stretched that television businesses are dangerously unviable.</p> <p>“I think there’s a big question too about whether Australia can support three television (commercial) broadcasters – and I’m not sure we can,” Prof Potter said.</p> <p>A major part of Ten's toppling has been the ongoing defamation suit against the network, launched against Bruce Lehrmann. </p> <p>While Ten successfully defended the suit, they hardly came out unscathed as the Federal Court criticised its handling of various matters related to the broadcast of <em>The Project</em>’s explosive interview with Brittany Higgins in 2021.</p> <p>Daily headlines about the court case overshadowed many popular programs, many of which failed to deliver a significant ratings recovery.</p> <p>As the network has consistently lost viewers over the past years, nationwide ratings have continuously put Network 10 behind its other commercial competitors, making parent company Paramount doubt how viable the business can be long term. </p> <p>Media analyst and Pearman director of strategy and research Steve Allen said, “A new owner of Paramount Global is unlikely to see Ten as an asset worth retaining because the business is in serious turmoil.”</p> <p>“There’s no programming momentum and they haven’t found a really solid anchor for prime time, their revenue looks steady but they can’t seem to significantly reduce overheads, and now there’s upheaval in terms of their US ownership."</p> <p>“Network 10 is in a real pickle and I don’t see a way out for them.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Ten </em></p>

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Channel 10 presenter exposes on-air dress shaming

<p>Channel 10 presenter Narelda Jacobs has exposed a “humiliating” email she received from a viewer who commented on an outfit she wore on-air Tuesday. </p> <p>The Australian journalist, who hosts <em>10 News First</em>, wore a v-neck blouse and patterned blazer when she was reporting that day, when the unsolicited "feedback" came through. </p> <p>Jacobs shared a screenshot of the email that was sent to the Ten News group on Instagram. </p> <p>“Inappropriate dress sense for reading the news. Cleavage is for the nightclub,” the email read. </p> <p>Addressing the email, Jacobs began:  “Yes, we still receive emails like this. Yes, it went to the entire newsroom." </p> <p>“Yes, I was on air at the time. Yes, it is intended to shame and humiliate me," the 48-year-old added. </p> <p>“No, what I’m wearing is not inappropriate but your email sure is.”</p> <p>Followers took to the comments to back Jacobs, with fellow journalists sharing their own experience of receiving sexist criticism. </p> <p>Retired swimmer Giaan Rooney wrote:  “Yep. The number of emails the newsroom used to get attacking everything about my appearance when I was presenting the weather was incredible.” </p> <p><em>The Guardian</em> journalist Amy Remeikis recalled how “not that long ago” a woman felt that she had to “hide” her nine-year-old son from the TV when she was on-air.</p> <p>“Because he wanted to know why that woman (me) had ‘sex face’ and what my boobs were,” Remeikis wrote. “Had never seen breasts apparently, but could use the phrase ‘sex face’.”</p> <p><em>ABC Radio</em> host Yumi Stynes joked, “How dare you cleavage?” before complimenting Jacobs for her radiant look, while <em>Dessert Masters</em> judge Melissa Leong wrote, “File under ‘When you really hate yourself, so you decide to email random strangers to tell them.’”</p> <p>Comedian Janelle Koenig slammed the ‘feedback’ as “absolute insanity.”</p> <p>This comes after thousands attended <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/it-s-up-to-men-anthony-albanese-joins-violence-against-women-rally" target="_blank" rel="noopener">rallies</a> in late April calling on the government to take action against the recent spate of acts of violence against women. </p> <p><em>Image: Instagram</em></p>

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Sunrise rocked by allegation of "fraud"

<p><em>Sunrise</em> and the Seven Network have been rocked by an investigation by their biggest competitor, who exposed both allegations of "fraud", as well as threatening emails to a young journalist at Nine who was chasing the story. </p> <p>The scandal began when a reporter for the <em><a href="https://www.smh.com.au/national/new-seven-expenses-affair-rocks-sunrise-top-network-executives-20240408-p5fi6w.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sydney Morning Herald</a></em> was alerted to an investigation being conducted by an independent law firm into the Sunrise program. </p> <p>According to reports by Nine, the law firm began an investigation, which was also conducted by a financial and corporate auditor, into reports that Sunrise staff members had grossly misused travel benefits. </p> <p>The allegations claimed that a small number of Sunrise staffers, as well as some of their friends and family, had taken flights and stayed in hotels on trips not related to their work duties, using benefits provided to the network by Qantas as part of a multimillion-dollar advertising and sponsorship deal.</p> <p>When business reporter for the<em> Australian Financial Review</em> Zoe Samios, a publication owned by Nine, reached out to Seven’s long-time commercial director Bruce McWilliam to chase the story, she was allegedly met with threatening emails saying her probes into the allegations had caused Seven’s star executive producer Michael Pell to self-harm.</p> <p>“This is what your unfounded reports have caused Michael to do,” Mr McWilliam wrote to Ms Samios in October last year.</p> <p>Attached to the email was a graphic image of him, bloodied and in a hospital gown, with a noticeable head wound.</p> <p>“Why don’t you keep it up so he kills himself. You are a complete disgrace. That law firm you name didn’t conduct any investigation. If you publish untrue allegations … and he tops himself. It’s on you. We are determined to protect him,” the email read.</p> <p>Speaking exclusively to <em><a href="https://www.news.com.au/finance/business/media/sunrise-rocked-by-fraud-investigations-that-top-tv-exec-tried-to-keep-secret/news-story/4b755d82167f825140c63b6e07107745" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news.com.au</a></em> on Thursday as the investigations were made public for the first time, Mr McWilliam defended the email and said he was defending a colleague and “friend” against “false allegations”.</p> <p>However, several months before the email, Mr Pell had stepped down as the boss of Sunrise and was appointed Seven's Senior Vice President of Entertainment Content in North America, and he moved to Los Angeles shortly after.</p> <p>On Thursday, Mr McWilliam told <em>news.com.au</em> that he became incensed when Mr Pell’s name was linked to the investigation, prompting his fiery email to Samios.</p> <p>“The accusations against Michael were exaggerated,” he told <em>news.com.au</em>.</p> <p>“I make no excuse for having acted to protect a colleague, against whom false allegations were being made. Michael Pell has been a friend of mine for many years.”</p> <p>The newspaper subsequently agreed to kill the story over concerns for Mr Pell’s mental health and wellbeing.</p> <p>While the findings of the alleged expenses investigation were delivered to Seven and described as "serious", a source close to the investigation insists that while the accusations are significant, they do not constitute "fraud" in the legal sense. </p> <p>Despite that, it’s understood that a small number of staff left the network following the findings being delivered to Seven, with the staffers signing nondisclosure agreements upon their departure.</p> <p>The scandal's reemergence comes 18 moths after the initial allegations, as Seven finds itself in another controversy over its flagship current affairs program <em>Spotlight</em> and its handling of an exclusive interview with Bruce Lehrmann.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Sunrise</em></p>

Legal

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Veteran Channel 7 news presenter announces shock departure

<p>Longtime presenter of Channel 7 news Jodie Speers has announced her departure from the program after 15 years. </p> <p>Jodie has long been the face of the early morning <em>7News</em> bulletin, but has decided to step back after a decade and a half behind the desk. </p> <p>Taking to Instagram on Friday, she announced it would be her final day on the job. </p> <p>Jodie shared a series of photos documenting her highlights from her many years in the role, while candidly sharing why she was calling it quits. </p> <p>“The end of an era! I didn’t expect to feel so emotional today! 💓” she said.</p> <p>“This job has given me so much over the past 15 years. From a stint in federal parliament, another one in the courts, and everything from crime scenes to red carpets, bushfires to brain surgeries, every day was different."</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C4yhod8yjcd/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C4yhod8yjcd/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Jodie Speers (@jodiespeers)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>“Sometimes sad, often stressful, at times hilarious or completely bizarre 🤪”</p> <p>Speers then spoke of how the job impacted her family life, admitting it had been difficult balancing the unusual hours and being a mother to three kids, who she shared with husband Ben Fordham. </p> <p>“I’ve since spent years reading the early news ... juggling babies and toddlers, getting up at an ungodly hour ... but getting home in time to see my babies wake up."</p> <p>“I’ve been chipping away at a law degree for the last year and now looking forward to a new season ... getting back to court in a different capacity!"</p> <p>“As always, the people make the place — I’ve worked with so many over the years — and can’t think of a single bad egg. It’s these guys I will definitely miss the most ❤️🙏.”</p> <p>Friends and colleagues flocked to the comment section to send their well wishes to Jodie on her next venture, while congratulating her 15-year stint with Channel 7. </p> <p><em>Sunrise</em> weather presenter Sam Mac said, “Going to miss starting our day with you 🙌 But your new profession may come in handy for me one day 🤷🏽‍♂️ congratulations & well done 👏.”</p> <p>“You are incredible! I always loved seeing you if i was ever in Sydney. You are so warm, genuine and kind! Cannot believe you’ve been working, studying law and juggling 3 kids! Amazing! Big love and best wishes for the next chapter x,” former <em>7News </em>presenter Kendall Gilding said.</p> <p>“One of the best in TV! Absolute class act,” <em>Sunrise</em> presenter Shaun White said.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram </em></p>

TV

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Network Ten's heart-wrenching tribute to Jesse Baird

<p>Network Ten have shared a heart-wrenching tribute to former colleague Jesse Baird, whose remains were found alongside the body of his boyfriend Luke Davies. </p> <p>Sandra Sully introduced the emotional tribute to the 26-year-old, becoming teary as she remembered her slain friend, while calling on people to remember Jesse as a kind and talented young man. </p> <p>“We want to pay tribute to our friend and former colleague Jesse Baird, his murder alongside that of his partner Luke Davies has rocked Network 10. Our hearts go out to their family and friends,” Sully began.</p> <p>“We want to remember Jesse for the man he was, and not how he died.</p> <p>“Amazingly talented, funny, beautiful inside and out - and forever loved and missed.”</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C34z-Fux8E_/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C34z-Fux8E_/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by ☕️ #SandraSully AM 📺📻🎙️🎧 🏑🇦🇺 (@shortblack_)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The tribute, narrated by entertainment reporter Angela Bishop, recapped Jesse's career in the spotlight, from his first hosting gig on children's TV show <em>Totally Wild</em>, to all the unique experiences he took on during his role on <em>Studio 10</em>. </p> <p>He was also an avid AFL fan and worked as a goal umpire for the league, in a role that meant a lot to him. </p> <p>Other Network Ten colleagues have shared tributes to Jesse this week, with news reader Lachlan Kennedy writing on social media, “His talent was undeniable and energy infectious. Jesse Baird has had the brightest of futures stolen from him.”</p> <p>The <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/update-on-search-for-bodies-of-murdered-couple" target="_blank" rel="noopener">bodies</a> of Jesse Baird and his boyfriend Luke Davies were found on Tuesday by NSW police, with their remains located in the NSW Southern Tablelands. </p> <p>Accused murderer and former police officer Beau Lamarre-Condon has been charged with two counts of murder over the deaths of the couple, after turning himself in to police in the days after their disappearance. </p> <p>Police will allege the murder of Jesse was premeditated by Lamarre-Condon, but his partner Luke Davies was killed only for being in the wrong place, at the wrong time.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Ten / Instagram </em></p>

Caring

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Channel 9 host goes public with new romance

<p>Channel 9 personality Sophie Walsh has gone public with her relationship with Sydney Sixers cricketer Moises Henriques. </p> <p>The Today host confirmed their relationship with an adorable photo of the couple from inside Taylor Swift’s Saturday night blockbuster at Accor Stadium in Sydney.</p> <p>The pair were pictured cuddling up to each other as they posed with Taylor Swift playing in the background. </p> <p><em>News Corp</em> first revealed the pair have quietly been seeing each other recently, with the first signs of their relationship shared on Walsh's Instagram page in January.</p> <p>The couple posed in one of the stadiums with their arms around each other and Walsh captioned it with a simple black heart emoji. </p> <p>Radio and TV presenter Dan Anstey, who was one of the first to comment on the picture at the time, playfully said: "He's a keeper."</p> <p><em>Today Show </em>colleague Jayne Azzopardi wrote: "This makes me happy ❤️ 🏏"</p> <p>"Love this," added Tracy Vo. </p> <p>"Winners are grinners. ❤️" wrote<em> Nine News</em> weather presenter, Belinda Russell.  </p> <p>Henriques, 37, is a popular figure in Australian cricket, having represented Australia in all three formats of the game.</p> <p>He has a a four-year-old son from his former marriage with ex-partner Krista Thomas, who he got married to in 2018. </p> <p>Henriques has not yet shared any photos with Walsh on his own Instagram page.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Relationships

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Channel 7 star's intimate wedding

<p>Channel 7 presenter Gemma Acton has tied the knot with partner Jack Dwyer in an intimate outdoor wedding ceremony in Sydney on Friday. </p> <p>The wedding comes less than a month after the couple welcomed their second daughter, Electra. </p> <p>The pair married in Palm Beach, surrounded by their loved ones who shared a few snaps of the newlyweds on Instagram. </p> <p>Gemma looked stunning in a Vera Wang strapless fishtail gown, which she accessorised with a pair of drop earrings, while Jack looked dapper in a white suit jacket and  matching dress shirt that he paired with black pants. </p> <p>“It’s not every day you get to marry your best friend in front of all your favourite people in the world, including our two precious daughters, Olympia and Electra,” Gemma told <em>7Life</em>.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C079dbMPxmp/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C079dbMPxmp/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Faraz Ali (@fuzz.ali)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>In one photo, the happy couple looked lovingly at their baby girl Electra, who was fast asleep in Gemma's arms. </p> <p>Their adorable baby girl was dressed in a pink silk dress paired with a big white bow. </p> <p>In another reel posted by one of Gemma's friends, big sister Olympia can be seen donning a matching pink dress while holding her mum's hand as they walked down the aisle. </p> <p>"A celebration of life and love!" the caption of the reel read. </p> <p>"Thank you @gemmaactontv and @conduitcapital for showing us what happiness looks like. May this new era of joy be your best one yet, with gorgeous Olympia and Electra in tow. We love all 4 of you 💖" </p> <p>The reel also showed the couple continuing their celebration on a private boat, with the beautiful blue skies and pristine blue waters making it the picture-perfect day for the newlyweds. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Relationships

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Dick Van Dyke channels iconic character ahead of 98th birthday

<p>Dick Van Dyke's still got it. </p> <p>The TV and film legend was captured reenacting the iconic chimney sweep dance from the 1964 film <em>Mary Poppins, </em>just days before his 98th birthday. </p> <p>A behind-the-scenes clip of the<em> </em>actor filming his upcoming TV special <em>Dick Van Dyke 98 Years of Magic</em>, was shared on Instagram by Christina Karlin with the caption: “Celebrating this legend today.”</p> <p>The actor looked dapper in a suit, as he playfully performed a jazz square from the iconic film, using a cane for balance. </p> <p>Just last month US network <em>CBS </em>announced that they would be releasing a two-hour show celebrating Van Dyke’s upcoming birthday in a special way by taking a look back at his career spanning over seven decades. </p> <p>The special “will travel back in time to the iconic set of The Dick Van Dyke Show and feature dazzling music and dance spectacles, heartfelt performances, special guests and a magical holiday number,” a press release from the network read. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C0owRS6LePe/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C0owRS6LePe/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Dick Van Dyke's 98th Birthday (@dvdturns98)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>It will also feature archival footage and songs from the Grammy winner's career, including iconic films like <em>Chitty Chitty Bang Bang</em>, <em>Mary Poppins</em> and <em>Bye Bye Birdie</em>.</p> <p>Following the announcement of TV special, Van Dyke said it was an honour to film the show with CBS, who have worked with him since 1955. </p> <p>“I’ve been with the CBS family for almost 70 years, and I couldn’t be prouder," Van Dyke said at the time. </p> <p>“I’m incredibly honoured that CBS will be throwing a 98th birthday special for me,” he added. “Can’t wait to be part of the show!”</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram/ Getty</em></p>

TV

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"It's a tough day": Studio 10 axed

<p>After a decade on the air, <em>Studio 10</em> has been axed by Channel Ten, with the staple morning show not returning for another season in 2024. </p> <p>The announcement was made on the show's Instagram page by hosts Angela Bishop and Tristan MacManus to break the sad news to loyal viewers, while admitting it had been a "tough day" as they learned the show's fate. </p> <p>"After an absolute epic decade on Australian TV screens, trying to put smiles on your faces every morning and love into your hearts, unfortunately we have some sad news for you today. <em>Studio 10</em> will not be returning for 2024," McManus said. </p> <p>“It’s a tough day for the whole <em>Studio 10 </em>family, because we have loved bringing you the show for the last 10 years,” said Bishop in the video. </p> <p>“We’re all really proud to be part of it."</p> <p>“To finish up, I’m going to pinch a quote: Don’t cry ‘cos it’s over, smile because it happened.”</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CznGGC8yeol/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CznGGC8yeol/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Studio 10 (@studio10au)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>A Ten spokesperson said in a statement, “<em>Studio 10</em> has been a great contributor to Network Ten's daytime program line-up. We would like to sincerely thank all those who have participated in and supported the program over the past decade and to the millions of viewers who tuned in over that time. </p> <p>“It has been a show that has provided copious amounts of feel-good fun, joy, passion, heart, entertainment, and unforgettable moments all against the backdrop of live television."</p> <p>“Although we are sad to be farewelling the program, the decision to cease production of <em>Studio 10</em> comes after a change in viewing habits in daytime television.”</p> <p><em>Studio 10</em> ratings and viewer number have been steadily declining in recent years, and took a plunge after longtime host Sarah Harris left to join The Project at the beginning of 2023.</p> <p>Even with Harris at the helm, <em>Studio 10</em> averaged just 31,000 viewers in 2022.</p> <p>The show copped its lowest viewership back in March with just 10,000 viewers recorded on the final Monday of the month.</p> <p>The Ten spokesperson went on to say that, “The hosts of <em>Studio 10</em> – Angela Bishop, Narelda Jacobs and Tristan MacManus, with special roving reporter Daniel Doody – will remain with the network in different roles and many of the staff will be redeployed.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram / Channel Ten</em></p>

TV

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Adorable detail in Channel 7 star's stunning Uluru wedding

<p>Channel 7 presenter Abbey Holmes has finally tied the knot with her partner, former AFL player Keegan Brooksby!</p> <p>After three long years of waiting the pair finally got married in a beautiful ceremony at the Northern Territory.</p> <p>“Mr & Mrs 6.11.23 — The perfect day with the most perfect person in the Heart of Australia. #WeDoInUluru,” Holmes captioned their wedding photo on Instagram.</p> <p>The pair got engaged at Uluru in 2020, and chose to tie the knot in the same location Brooksby proposed. </p> <p>The NT holds a special connection for them, aside from it being where they got engaged, it's also where Holmes was one of the highest profile female footballers, before breaking into the AFLW in 2017.</p> <p>Holmes revealed that their wedding was pulled together quite quickly, thanks to the help of their wedding planner. </p> <p>“We’ve actually pulled it together quite quickly after we had our engagement party on December 30 last year with no plans of when we were getting married,” she told <em>Seven News</em>. </p> <p>“It was only a week or so after that we kind of looked at each other and said if we don’t plan something it’ll never happen.</p> <p>“If it was up to Keegan and I it would never have got done. We would have been screwed without (our wedding planner).”</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CzVTaUPPCgI/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CzVTaUPPCgI/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Abbey Holmes (@abbeycholmes)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Their wedding was nothing short of glam with Channel 7 AFL commentators Luke Hodge and Brian Taylor, and Magpies star Mason Cox among the 100-person guest list. </p> <p>Celebrity friends and fans took to the comments to congratulate the newlyweds. </p> <p>“Absolutely stunning!!! Soo so happy for you both. the start of another amazing journey together … sending you both love and beautiful blessings. Xx," wrote Aussie swimming legend Steph Rice. </p> <p>“Beautiful guys,” commented AFL champion Joel Selwood.</p> <p>“Such a beautiful wedding for a beautiful couple," added Olympic champion Lydia Lassila. </p> <p>"Wonderful news! Congratulations team 🤍" wrote Sunrise weather presenter Sam Mac.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Relationships

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Channel 7 star secretly welcomes "lionhearted" bundle of joy

<p>Amelia Brace is a mum!</p> <p>The Channel Seven presenter secretly welcomed her first child with husband cameraman Adam Bovino last week, but only just shared the happy news to her followers on Instagram. </p> <p>“One week with Leonardo Andrea Bovino,” she captioned the series of photos of her son and a few intimate moments from her birth. </p> <p>“️His name means ‘lionhearted’ in Italian, something our little Leo has certainly proven to be this year," she added.</p> <p>“He’s a brave boy, just like his Daddy. And looks like him too. Our beautiful reward.”</p> <p>Brace's colleagues were the first to comment their delight. </p> <p>“Congratulations beautiful family,” <em>Sunrise</em> host Natalie Barr commented. </p> <p>“So perfect! Congratulations," added former <em>Sunrise</em> host Melissa Doyle.</p> <p>“Beautiful, beautiful Leonardo. Can’t wait for cuddles xxx,” wrote Tracy Vo, <em>Nine News'</em> <span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">weekend presenter in Perth. </span></p> <p>“Congratulations!! You and your beautiful boys,” <em>Weekend Today</em> co-host Belinda Russell also wrote.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CyzKweRPTsW/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CyzKweRPTsW/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Amelia Bovino (@ameliabrace7)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>A few fans also took to the comments to share their congratulations. </p> <p>"He is divine! What a beautiful boy. Congratulations," wrote one fan. </p> <p>"Welcome to the world little Leo ❤️," commented another. </p> <p>"Leo!!! You are the cutest. You are so loved already little man. Congratulations you three. Sending so much love," wrote a third.</p> <p>Brace first announced her pregnancy with an ultrasound video in June.</p> <p>“It’s always darkest before the dawn. A little ray of sunshine, and hope, coming in spring,” she captioned the photo at the time. </p> <p>Brace and her husband Bovino tied the knot in a beautiful outdoor wedding at Kangaroo Valley, NSW in March 2022 after a three-year engagement. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Lisa Wilkinson sues Channel Ten

<p>Australian television personality Lisa Wilkinson is taking legal action against her former employer, Network 10, in a dispute that revolves around an alleged breach of agreement concerning the payment of legal costs incurred in their ongoing defamation case initiated by Bruce Lehrmann.</p> <p>According to a recent report by <a href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/lisa-wilkinson-sues-network-10-over-bruce-lehrmann-defamation-suit-costs/news-story/b796eceb7c9bf6f1700e5c4f27c6b27a" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Daily Telegraph</a>, Network 10 is refusing to cover two invoices totalling $723,000 for legal services that Wilkinson acquired when she hired prominent barrister Sue Chrysanthou SC and Gillis Delaney Lawyers partner Anthony Jefferies earlier this year.</p> <p>This decision by Wilkinson to engage her legal team instead of utilising Network 10's retained law firm, Thomson Geer, appears to be at the heart of the dispute.</p> <p>Wilkinson, a well-known media figure in Australia, left <em>The Project</em> in November 2022, citing being subjected to "targeted toxicity". This departure marked the beginning of a series of legal and professional challenges that have now culminated in her suing Network 10 in the New South Wales Supreme Court.</p> <p>Wilkinson's legal action claims that Network 10 had accepted liability to indemnify her in the defamation case, regardless of whether she chose to be "independently represented" or not. Network 10 has responded to these allegations by emphasising the importance of due process in justifying the substantial legal invoices. They expressed that their primary focus remains on defending the defamation suit brought by Bruce Lehrmann.</p> <p>Lehrmann is suing Network 10, Lisa Wilkinson, and the ABC for defamation in connection with their reporting of a sexual assault allegation made by Brittany Higgins in 2019. Lehrmann alleges that Wilkinson's interview with Higgins on <em>The Project</em>, which aired on February 15, 2021, conveyed a series of defamatory meanings, including the accusation that he had raped Higgins in then-defense industry minister Linda Reynolds' office in 2019. Despite the legal challenges, Wilkinson's interview with Higgins garnered critical acclaim, earning her two Walkley Award nominations and a Logie Award.</p> <p>After her departure from <em>The Project</em>, Paramount Australia executive vice president Beverley McGarvey indicated that they had plans for Wilkinson's future, expressing optimism about continuing their relationship with the renowned journalist. However, Wilkinson has not been seen on air since then, and her contractual obligations with Network 10 are reported to extend into the next year, with a deal rumoured to be worth seven figures.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

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Channel 10 newsreader admits to driving while four times over the legal limit

<p>Natasha Exelby, a well-known journalist and former Channel 10 newsreader, recently found herself in the spotlight for an entirely different reason than her on-air mishap in 2017.</p> <p>On a fateful day last June, she was involved in a drink driving incident in Toorak, Melbourne. This incident marked a low point in her life, but it also sheds light on the profound impact of mental health struggles and the road to recovery.</p> <p>Exelby, 34, appeared before the Melbourne Magistrates' Court and made a candid admission: she had driven while suspended and under the influence of alcohol, registering a blood alcohol concentration of .220, over four times the legal limit. She narrowly escaped conviction but didn't escape the consequences of her actions.</p> <p>In her statement to the <a href="https://www.heraldsun.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts-victoria/journalist-natasha-exelby-busted-drink-driving-after-crashing-into-parked-car-while-four-times-over-legal-limit/news-story/f710cdbc849622fb4e298b61c049c1f3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Herald Sun</a>, Exelby took full responsibility for her actions, citing her ongoing battle with major depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. She courageously acknowledged her struggles and the role they played in her regrettable choices that day.</p> <p>"It's no secret that I've suffered from major depression and post-traumatic stress disorder for many years," she said. "At the time of the incident, I was going through a very dark period with multiple medication changes. Never in my life did I think I would be capable of what happened but regardless of my mental health, my actions were shocking beyond words and I take full responsibility."</p> <p>Her journey towards this dark moment was marked by openness about her mental health. In September 2022, she appeared on Studio 10, where she revealed the depths of her internal battles. She discussed experiencing episodes of inexplicable crying, a common symptom of depression. This revelation was crucial in the context of R U OK? Day, emphasizing the importance of checking on the well-being of those around us.</p> <p>Natasha's admission serves as a stark reminder that mental health issues are every bit as valid as physical ailments. She compared her experience with depression to "drowning" and disclosed that she had been on medication and in therapy for major depression for years. Her message is clear: it's okay to seek help when battling these internal demons, and recovery is possible, even if it's a long and winding road.</p> <p>Exelby's struggle with mental health is by no means a recent development. She revealed that she had been dealing with major depression since the age of 15, highlighting the enduring nature of the condition. Her story is an inspiration for others who are going through similar challenges, proving that there is light at the end of the tunnel, even when it feels like the journey will never end.</p> <p>Before her battle with depression and her recent legal troubles, Exelby made headlines in 2017 for an <a href="https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/tv/flashback/one-year-later-why-natasha-exelby-isnt-haunted-by-abc-blooper/news-story/24398919d522c0029e6d7963f165897d" target="_blank" rel="noopener">on-air gaffe</a> during an ABC news broadcast. Despite the initial shock, she took the incident in stride, even finding humour in it and acknowledging the role that social media and celebrities like Russell Crowe played in making the video go viral. It was a moment of resilience and self-awareness that foreshadowed her future ability to face her own mental health struggles.</p> <p>Exelby's open honesty, her admission of her mistakes and her ongoing battle with mental health challenges is a reminder that anyone can face difficulties, regardless of their public persona. By sharing her experiences, Exelby is contributing to the ongoing conversation about mental health, helping to break down the stigma that often surrounds it.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

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