Walkleys shock call on Lehrmann exclusive
The Walkley Foundation has dumped Channel 7 Spotlight’s exclusive interview with Bruce Lehrmann as a finalist from its Scoop of the Year category.
In a statement, the foundation said the Board had reviewed documents uploaded to the Federal Court this week, which revealed an exclusivity agreement made between Seven and Mr Lehrmann in April.
It included a 12-month leasing arrangement for Mr Lehrmann from April 13, 2023 to April 12, 2024.
BREAKING: The Walkleys have declared Channel 7 #Lehrmann story should NOT have been a finalist in Scoop of the year. #CashForCommentpic.twitter.com/8SmAV2Ge8C
— Nina Funnell, Journalist & Survivor advocate🎗️ (@ninafunnell) December 7, 2023
In their statement the Walkley Foundation said: “Following a review of these documents, The Walkley Foundation Board has come to the unanimous conclusion that the Seven Spotlight story ‘Trial and Error’ was not eligible for consideration in the All Media Scoop of the Year category for the 2023 Walkley Awards as the entry did not accurately describe the extent of benefits provided to Mr Lehrmann in exchange for interviews, information and exclusive access.”
“The Walkley Foundation has revoked the story’s finalist status in the 68th Walkley Awards.”
More to come.
