Axed Weekend Sunrise host Simon Reeve considers legal action against Channel Seven after he was abruptly ‘let go’ after 20 years of service
Simon Reeve is the latest high-profile staffer to lose his job at Channel Seven – but unlike some of his colleagues, he’s not going down without a fight.
The 58-year-old has hired employment lawyer John Laxton to act on his behalf against the network, after he was abruptly ‘let go’ in June after 20 years of service.
The veteran reporter, best known for hosting Weekend Sunrise, has recruited Laxon Lex Lawyers to lodge a statement of claim in an attempt to receive a proper payout.
Tough times: Simon Reeve (pictured) is the latest high-profile staffer to lose his job at Channel Seven – but unlike some of his colleagues, he’s not going down without a fight
According to The Australian‘s Media Diary, the statement of claim will also focus on the terms of Reeve’s contract.
Daily Mail Australia understands proceedings against Seven are still in the early stages, and the network is yet to receive any paperwork.
Reeve started his career with the Seven Network in Perth 41 years ago, working both as a sports reporter and newsreader.
Legal: The 58-year-old has hired employment lawyer John Laxton to act on his behalf against the network, after he was abruptly ‘let go’ in June after 20 years of service. Pictured on June 27
Action: The veteran reporter, who is best known for hosting Weekend Sunrise, has recruited Laxon Lex Lawyers to lodge a statement of claim in an attempt to receive a proper payout. Pictured: Reeve (back, right) on set of Weekend Sunrise with Talitha Cummins (back, left), Monique Wright (front, left) and Larry Emdur (front, right)
After several years spent working in England and Botswana, he returned to Seven in 2001 and contributed to both 7News and Sunrise.
He also hosted Million Dollar Minute, The Force and It’s Academic.
Reeve is the latest presenter to fall victim to the TV industry’s coronavirus crunch, which has hit the Seven Network particularly hard.
Fingers crossed? Daily Mail Australia understands proceedings against Seven are still in the early stages, and the network is yet to receive any paperwork. Pictured: Reeve on set of Million Dollar Minute
End of an era: Reeve is the latest presenter to fall victim to the TV industry’s coronavirus crunch, which has hit the Seven Network particularly hard. Former Sunrise host Melissa Doyle (right, with Reeve in November 2006) announced her departure from Seven on Friday
Former Sunrise host Melissa Doyle announced her departure from Seven on Friday.
‘For 25 years, I have called Channel Seven home. I’ve had the privilege to share stories that mattered, meet incredible people and be there for significant moments in history,’ she said in a statement.
‘I am incredibly proud of the work I have done and appreciative of the trust and warmth our viewers have shown me.
‘I want to thank the consummate professionals I have worked with along the way, in particular our chairman Kerry Stokes for his constant support.’
Earlier this month, Channel 10 laid off 25 staffers in response to the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tough times: Melissa’s departure is believed to be the result of the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic