VIC: Networks will not pay for toddler stories

AAP General News (Australia)
12-07-1998
VIC: Networks will not pay for toddler stories

MELBOURNE, Dec 7 AAP - No money would change hands for interviews with those involved in
the case of murdered Victorian toddler Jaidyn Leskie, television networks said today.

The Nine Network today denied paying or proposing to pay any money to Greg Domaszewicz, the
babys mother Bilynda Murphy, or others involved in the case.

On Friday, Mr Domaszewicz, 30, was acquitted of the toddlers murder by a Melbourne Supreme
Court jury.

Nine Network news and current affairs director Peter Meakin said the network hoped other
organisations would follow its lead.

"The Nine Network has not and will not be paying any money for interviews with either Greg
Domaszewicz, Bilynda Murphy or any party in relation to the death of Jaidyn Leskie," Mr Meakin
said in a statement.

"We hope that other media organisations will follow our example."

The statement comes after media reports today that Ms Murphy had reportedly signed a
lucrative deal with the Nine Network, rumoured to be worth about $60,000. Other reports also
suggested media chequebooks were opening for interviews.

Channel Sevens Today Tonight producer Shane Castleman also said that Seven would not pay
for the story.

"Like everybody else, Today Tonight would be happy to speak with Mr Domaszewicz," Mr
Castleman said.

"However, we dont feel that any comments he has to make should be made as a result of a
payment."

Network Ten news manager Dermot OBrien said the network would chase stories but not pay
for them.

"Channel Ten will not be paying for interviews," Mr OBrien said.

"We will pursue ... stories and interviews with vigour but will definitely not be paying."

AAP cmc/er/ms/de

KEYWORD: TODDLER MEDIA

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