Source of nasty Novak leak revealed!
Just one day after video footage was leaked of two Seven newsreaders slamming Novak Djokovic, an investigation by the television network has identified the culprit.
All Channel 7 employees have been cleared of leaking the brutal footage, as reported by The Australian, with one key detail identifying the external company who was responsible.
The footage emerged on Wednesday of Mike Amor and Rebecca Maddern calling the tennis star an “a**hole” before the airing of the 6pm bulletin, prompting the pair to make headlines around the country.
“Whatever way you look at it, Novak Djokovic is a lying, sneaky a**hole,” Maddern said in the clip.
“That’s it, I mean he’s an areshole. He got a bulls*** f***ing excuse and then fell over his own f***ing lies. It’s just what happens, right, that’s what happened,” Amor said.
Rumours began to swirl as some attempted to identify the source of the leak, with some speculating it was a disgruntled colleague, mischievous audio director, or even a PR ploy.
However, a timestamp visible in the top corner of the footage led Seven’s internal investigators to caption company Ai-Media, which provides captions for the hard of hearing.
The Australian reported that high-level discussions between Seven and Ai-Media have occurred after the discovery of the timestamp - which doesn’t appear on internal Seven video outputs - led bosses to the company.
A timestamp in the top, right corner of the footage led investigators to identify who was responsible. Image: Twitter
Staff interviews and thorough IT network tracing are currently underway to determine who recorded and distributed the footage, according to the publication.
Tony Abrahams, the chief executive of Ai-Media, is reportedly leading the investigation.
Seven Network Director of News and Public Affairs, Craig McPherson, said in a statement that the act of leaking the footage was “underhanded” and “cowardly”.
“The illegal recording was of a private conversation between two colleagues,” Mr McPherson said on Wednesday morning.
“It was an underhanded, cowardly act in breach of the Victorian Listening Devices legislation the perpetrator of which will be accordingly dealt with when found.”
Channel 7 managing director Lewis Martin followed up with reassurance while appearing on 3AW radio, saying the incident was “being looked at thoroughly”.
“We are going to have an outcome. What has happened here is illegal,” he said.
It is understood that the investigation will be finalised on Thursday.
While Maddern herself has apologised for the rant, a number of viewers have seemingly deemed it unnecessary.
It fact, some have claimed it was the best news segment they’d seen in a long time given it reflected the mood of a number of frustrated Aussies.
“Every Australian needs to stand by Rebecca Maddern & Mike Amor. They are only saying what we – & the rest of the world is thinking,” one wrote.
“Great watch. Just saying what 90% of Australians think,” another agreed.
“Now this is news I’d watch. Rebecca Maddern has certainly made a strong return to Channel 7 hey,” was another response.
“I hope Mike Amor and Rebecca Maddern are promoted on the basis of that leaked video,” added another.
Image: Twitter