Yes
1 Like
Did Seven acknowledge that BRS is (was?) an employee of Seven and his action was bankrolled by the boss?
1 Like
Why does the particular event warrant the type of coverage that has happened today? Weâve seen other notable people in notable court cases before?
The plaintiff is a highly-regarded Victoria Cross recipient, who brought the case against two respected investigative journalists and their publishers.
His legal fees were personally bankrolled by his boss. Roberts-Smith was/is employed by Seven Queensland; Seven is a rival of Nine/Fairfax.
In finding that the coverage was substantially true, the courts have in effect found Roberts-Smith committed war crimes (albeit to the lower standard of proof that exist in civil trials).
14 Likes
Ahh ok.
Also widely reported that had he won, the defamation payout was expected to be the biggest in Australian legal history higher even than Geoffrey Rushâs $2.9 million win plus the legal costs that would also potentially be awarded in the case would have also been huge.
As seen on Seven:
6 Likes
Couldnât they move the cameraâŚ?
So now Seven is spouting defence for him?
Sevenâs coverage was incredibly biased without explaining why.
2 Likes
Well we know why. A directive from upstairs (or out west really).
Oh 100%⌠doesnât help the claim that the media are biased though.
1 Like
You could make a similar claim about Sunrise this morning. The show seemed to just stick to reporting as part of their regular news reports. Didnât get any special treatment, no discussion etc. It seemed like an ideal topic for extended discussion and as part of Hot Topics.
Hot Topics
Parallels are being drawn by some on social media with the 7News Spotlight interview - that did receive special attention on Sunrise this morning.
2 Likes
Ben Roberts-Smith has resigned as general manager at 7 Queensland
4 Likes
Warburton said in an email seen by Guardian Australia:
As youâre all aware, the judgement in the defamation case was handed down yesterday.
Ben has been on leave whilst the case was running, and today has offered his resignation, which we have accepted.
We thank Ben for his commitment to Seven and wish him all the best.
2 Likes
This makes it sound to me like there wonât be an appeal.
1 Like
Also sounds like he was probably pushed.
2 Likes
At least BRS got his comeuppance. Sounds like a terrible person. Seven should be ashamed of themselves.
4 Likes
None of us knew at the time when he got his Victoria Cross etc⌠I canât really blame Seven.
4 Likes
What about their Chairman Kerry Stokes who said at Seven West Mediaâs annual general meeting
âBen Roberts-Smith is innocent and deserves legal representation and that scumbag journalists should be held to account. And quote me on that.â
His private equity firm is paying legal fees for some witnesses as well as revealed during the trial.
1 Like
That statement was probably made before those photos came to light of the prosthetic leg being used for beer âshoe-iesâ. That wasnât a good look for BRS.