Seven accuses Ten of trying to buy ‘anticompetitive result’ in Stephens case

Lawyers for the Network Seven have accused free-to-air TV rival Network Ten of trying “buy an anticompetitive result” by seeking to stop prized programmer John Stephens from working for them or Nine for two years.

Both networks must now wait for a decision in the case with NSW Supreme Court Justice James Stevenson adjourning the hearing to make his ruling, with Ten claiming Stephens was induced by Seven executives to walk away from a signed deal with them two months ago.

In his closing David Studdy SC, legal counsel for Network Ten, rejected claims from Seven an injunction would leave the 67-year-old open to “idleness, destitution or sterilisation”, as well as Seven’s claim Stephens’ contract period did not comence until June, his official start date.    

Ten CEO and chairman Hamish McLennan had negotiated a contract with Stephens to join the network for two years as director of programming and acquisitions, working three days a week, with one from home, with the support of Beverley McGarvey, chief  programming officer at Ten, and her team of programmers and producers.