Network Ten Fails to Block Aussie Programmer from Moving to Seven

SYDNEY: Both Network Ten and Seven Network have welcomed the decision handed down by the Supreme Court of New South Wales that says programmer John Stephens still has a valid contract with Ten, though he is not to be restrained from working for Seven.

Stephens previously announced he was leaving Seven Network, and signed a contract with Ten to join as its director of scheduling and acquisitions. He then decided that he wanted to stay with Seven, where he has worked since 2003. As a result, Ten has started legal action, accusing Seven of inducing him to breach his new contract.

The court ruled against Ten's application to stop the exec from working for its commercial rivals. However, Ten issued a statement that it feels "vindicated" in the case all the same. “The ruling that Mr Stephens’ contract with Ten remains on foot vindicates our position," said Hamish McLennan, Network Ten's CEO. "The court has found that our contract is valid and binding.
 
“We stated from the outset that our aim was to get to the truth of what happened after Mr. Stephens signed a contract with our company.”

Seven also released a statement, that said it "welcomes the finding that Mr. Stephens did not breach an agreement, and accordingly that Seven did not—as Ten claimed—induce Mr. Stephens to breach an agreement. Ten's claims were dismissed. The Court specifically said that it did not take Ten's 'extraordinary' attempt to in effect purchase an injunction into account. We are pleased that this annoying attempt at distraction by Ten is concluded. We are pleased that Mr Stephens is able to continue to work for Seven and not take up the generous offer from Ten to be paid for two years to do nothing. This offer undoubtedly would have set a new precedent for our industry."

Stephens commented: "The past few weeks have been a chapter in my life I could have certainly lived without and perhaps both Ten and Seven feel the same way. It is disappointing the situation had to progress all the way to the Supreme Court, but I guess that is part of the competitive nature of our business. Regardless, I am relieved the legal stoush is now done and dusted and I can now concentrate more fully on my consultancy role with Seven. I have been a part of a great team and its success over the past decade and I am looking forward to continuing to be a part of this team."