Australia: Legal Action by Amelia Saw Reveals Toxic Workplace Environment and Employee Mistreatment at Channel Seven
September 6, 2024 - Australia, Sydney
Amelia Saw has initiated legal action against Seven's Spotlight program, citing a hostile work environment, alleging a breach of protections and a toxic work environment for women, encompassing extensive working hours, bullying, and discrimination during her tenure at Seven.
The legal proceedings, focusing on violations of the Fair Work Act, do not involve allegations of sexual harassment. A mediation session between Saw and Seven is scheduled for November, with Seven required to respond by October 18, 2024. Despite the allegations, Seven denies any wrongdoing.
CEO Jeff Howard has acknowledged past issues as the company investigates senior staff reporter Robert Ovadia, who faced misconduct accusations from 13 women at the network. Ovadia, who sued Seven over his termination, withdrew his legal case on September 5, 2024.
Allegations of bullying, sexism, assault, and exploitation have engulfed Seven, resulting in staff members being hospitalized, unable to work, and attempting suicide. One disturbing incident involved a young woman journalist who was so distressed by her treatment that she ran in front of a car outside a Seven office.
Several former on-air and off-air staff members who have experienced sexual harassment and bullying have been compelled to sign non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), silencing their ability to share their stories. Another journalist detailed working 10 to 12-hour days, seven days a week, with a male colleague exhausting the production budget on partying, leaving her to cover expenses out of pocket. She was left struggling financially while waiting for reimbursement from Seven and was pressured by superiors to continue working from home. The toll of the situation pushed her to the brink of suicide, prompting her to seek professional help to protect her child as a single parent.
Women Press Freedom stands firmly behind Amelia Saw and all the mistreated journalists at Channel Seven. We demand accountability for those responsible for these abuses and justice for the victims.
Women Press Freedom condemns the unacceptable violation of press rights experienced by RTÉ journalist Yvonne Murray during her live broadcast from Georgia ahead of the U.S. elections.
Women Press Freedom condemns the recent court ruling against former Meduza journalist Margarita Liutova, who was fined 5,000 rubles ($50) for participating in the activities of an “undesirable organization.”
Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the recent violation of press rights experienced by Albanian journalists at the Kapshtice border crossing while attempting to cover Prime Minister Edi Rama's rally in Thessaloniki, Greece. The unjust three-hour detention of journalists from Klann and CNN affiliate A2, along with the arbitrary requirement for a special permit for live transmission equipment, represents a troubling infringement on the freedom of the press.
Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the recent violation of press rights experienced by RTL Lëtzebuerg journalist Annick Goerens while covering the U.S. elections. Goerens' application for press credentials to attend a Republican event hosted by JD Vance was denied without explanation, forcing her to secure a general admission pass instead.
Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the violent assault on TV Markíza journalist Kristína Kövešová in Trnava while she was investigating violent crimes for her program Reflex.
Politician has reportedly been suspended, but a mere suspension is insufficient. We call for stricter action against him.
Women Press Freedom welcomes the essential hospitalization of Nobel Laureate Narges Mohammadi following nearly nine weeks of denied medical care. This critical step highlights the power of collective action and the unwavering commitment of advocates fighting for justice and human rights.
Damiana Veleva was obstructed by men at a polling station in Dolno Osenovo, facing threats to seize her phone. Diyana Zhelyazkova was threatened by Mayor Ismail Ibryam while reporting on voting violations in Vulnari. Zdravka Maslyankova encountered threats from a candidate's son in Veliko Tarnovo after probing into vote trading.
Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the targeted attack by Israeli forces on a compound housing 18 journalists, including Yumna Fawaz, in the early morning hours. Fawaz, in a direct statement to Women Press Freedom, noted that the compound had been designated as a safe zone for journalists; however, three journalists were killed in this attack.
Women Press Freedom, unequivocally condemns the killing of women journalists Nadia Al Sayed and Haneen Baroud, as well as their colleagues Saed Radwan, Abdulrahman Al-Tanani, and Hamza Abu Salmiya, due to Israeli airstrikes in Gaza.
We urge the international community to prioritize the safety of these women journalists, advocate for press freedom in Afghanistan and offer urgent support to protect their lives.
WPF welcomes the arrest of a man suspected to be Rodriguez's killer, but we demand that the authorities in the Philippines ensure swift justice for the slain journalist and safety of those working to report the truth. A fair probe and accountability in this case is inevitable.
Political commentator Sonia Dahmani sentenced to an additional 2 years in prison for "spreading false news" regarding remarks she made about racism against sub-Saharan Africans.
Women Press Freedom unequivocally condemns the illegal 48-hour detention and intimidation of CNN chief international correspondent Clarissa Ward and her team while covering the urgent humanitarian crisis in North Darfur by rival militia. They endured threats and lengthy interrogations, with their driver taken away in chains. Held under armed guard, they faced limited access to food, water, and privacy. This distressing incident underscores the escalating dangers journalists encounter in conflict zones and the pressing need to safeguard press freedom.
WPF firmly condemns the state's continued persecution of photo journalist Deisy Peña. She & her colleague Paúl León are being prosecuted on bogus charges of "terrorism" & "criminal association" just for doing their jobs—covering protests against electoral fraud in July.
Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the recent actions of Patrick Soon-Shiong, owner of the Los Angeles Times, who blocked the editorial board's plans to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for president, leading to the resignation of editorial editor Maria Garza. This interference is a serious breach of journalistic integrity and undermines the crucial principle of editorial independence within a respected news organization.
We commend the US justice system for acknowledging the grave risks faced by women journalists like Masih and reaffirm the urgent need to protect human rights and hold oppressive regimes accountable.
Despite the innocuous nature of her tweet, Turkish authorities interpreted it as politically sensitive, leading to the court's decision to block Zaman’s account.
We are deeply concerned about the lack of safety for journalists, who often work without adequate protection.
Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the continued harassment and unjust treatment of journalist and women’s rights activist Jina Modares-Gorji. The recent order for her to report to Sanandaj Prison, following a notice from the Sanandaj Criminal Enforcement Court, is a blatant violation of her rights and a troubling example of the ongoing suppression of freedom of expression and dissent.
European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) ruling in Kobaliya and Others v. Russia confirms what we've long known: Russia's "foreign agent" law is arbitrary and a tool for silencing dissent.
WPF firmly denounces this aggressive action. It is unacceptable for her to lose her job and face terrorism charges due to a slip of the tongue while reacting to breaking news live on TV. We demand the case be dropped and that Komitgan be freed.
Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the violent actions taken by a Lancaster City Police officer against photojournalist Susan Stava during her coverage of a Donald Trump town hall event. Stava, a seasoned journalist with over 30 years of experience, was pushed to the ground while documenting a public protest, a clear violation of press freedom and the rights of journalists to report safely and without interference.
Officers from the Department of State Services (DSS) forcibly detained OrderPaper journalist Edna Ulaeto after raiding her Abuja home without notice. Linked to a retracted article from OrderPaper concerning a supposed DSS operation.
As Diddy faces charges for sexual crimes, Danyel’s account highlights the abuse of power in the industry.
Women Press Freedom, unequivocally condemns the recent complaint filed against journalist Gisellla Garcés by Darwin Haz, the police chief of Los Ríos and vice president of the pro-government ADN movement. This complaint, which alleges a violation of privacy, represents a troubling attempt to intimidate and silence a journalist who is simply exercising her right to report on matters of public interest.
20 Khvylyn journalist Iryna Belyakova reports being stalked after an anonymous user shared covert photos and videos of her daily activities on Facebook.
Michelle Mendoza was forced to flee her country after receiving threats stemming from online disinformation campaigns that attacked her reputation. The harassment, linked to her investigations into criminal networks within the government.
Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the recent imposition of additional six-month prison sentences on Nobel Laureate Narges Mohammadi and Pakhshan Azizi for their courageous protest against the execution of Reza Rasaei in August. This punitive action exemplifies the Iranian regime's relentless crackdown on dissent and its systematic efforts to suppress free expression.