TEN ordered to pay Seven costs over John Stephens case

A court has ruled TEN must pay Seven’s costs following the legal stoush over veteran programmer John Stephens, but it is vowing to fight any “overblown” costs “every step of the way.”

The case last week resulted in TEN being unable to prevent Stephens from working for Seven, despite the judge noting its contract with him remained “on foot.” Judge Stevenson said whether Stephens contract with TEN is enforceable is a question best considered “if and when TEN seeks to take further action under it”.

The Supreme Court of New South Wales today ruled TEN must pay costs to Seven Network and John Stephens.

During arguments, it also emerged that both networks had discussed an “amicable” agreement that would see Stephens not work for Seven, TEN or Nine for 12 months but be free to work overseas if Seven and TEN paid him $50,000 each.

But the judge also ruled “the anti-competitive implications of the offer are such that it was not unreasonable for TEN to reject the offer”.

In a statement today TEN said in part:

Network Ten’s aim from the outset was to expose the truth of what happened after Mr Stephens signed a contract with our company. We were not prepared to be bullied and the court has vindicated our position that Mr Stephens’ contract with Network Ten is on foot.

Network Ten notes there has been speculation about the costs Seven will seek to recover.

If the speculation is correct, Seven is over-reaching and its rumoured legal fees are overblown and extortionate. Network Ten will fight its claim every step of the way through the cost assessment process over the coming months.

Stephens remains working for the Seven Network after being offered a role as Head of International Development.