Seven to meet union over Taeuber audio

Seven CEO Tim Worner will meet with the Media Entertainment & Arts Alliance following ABC’s leak of audio surrounding its suspension, and subsequent dismissal, of cadet journalist Amy Taeuber.

The Australian reports he has phoned the MEAA’s director of media, Katelin McInerney, to discuss how the network can address perceptions of a “toxic culture” at the network McInerney is reported to have written directly to Worner about the incident.

The union criticised Seven after Human Resources demanded Taeuber’s support person leave the room before presenting her with written allegations.

McInerney called on media executives to “put their money where their mouths are” and “take a ­direct leadership approach to stamp out harassment and to support women in the media when they do come forward (with complaints)”.

In a statement last week Seven said, “We look forward to discussing the issues raised by the MEAA and the facts of this specific matter as soon as possible.  It should be noted that Seven News has been at the forefront of a successful cadet program which has seen the graduation of seven cadets over the last year to become reporters with the network.  Seven West Media has a program in place to promote young people across all of its platforms.”

It is understood the two are yet to schedule a time to meet.

Taeuber settled her claim with Seven in February which the network says included a cash payment and confidentiality.