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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
Business
Amanda Meade

Walkley awards ban chequebook journalism after controversy over Seven’s Bruce Lehrmann interview

Bruce Lehrmann Walkley Seven Spotlight Taylor Auerbach
Bruce Lehrmann
Seven paid Bruce Lehrmann’s rent and other expenses to secure an interview for its Spotlight program, which was a finalist in the Walkley awards. The awards have now banned chequebook journalism. Photograph: Bianca de Marchi/AAP

The Walkley awards will ban chequebook journalism after the Spotlight program was nominated for scoop of the year for an interview with Bruce Lehrmann secured by paying $100,000 for his rent on top of expenses for dining, entertainment and golf trips.

During Lehrmann’s defamation trial the federal court heard claims that he discussed payment of about $200,000 for his participation in an interview and was reimbursed by the network for money spent on cocaine and sex workers, which were euphemistically invoiced as “pre-production expenses”.

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