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Seven hires ABC’s Steve Taylor to replace Mark Lewellyn as Sunday Night EP

Sunday NightNetwork Seven has hired ABC Foreign Correspondent producer Steve Taylor to replace Mark Lewellyn as executive producer of Sunday Night.

Lewellyn left the show last month after he allegedly assaulted fellow producer Paul Waterhouse, although he is set to remain with Seven.

Taylor has been the producer of Foreign Correspondent for the last five years, and before that produced award winning segments for Four Corners, and led the national 7.30 report for four years from 2003. His departure is not related to the ongoing redundancies at the public broadcaster.

Tim Worner, CEO of Seven West Media, said: “We are delighted to secure Steve. He has an outstanding track record of leadership, creativity and commitment to great journalism. He will lead an outstanding group of people at Sunday Night and add further strength to our expanding presence in news and public affairs.”The move comes as Seven continues to look to beef up its current affairs schedule to challenge Nine. This year Chris Bath was moved to host Sunday Night as it looked to claw back ratings from Nine’s 60 Minutes, although it has yet to topple its opponent.

Taylor said: “Sunday Night is a beautifully-made show that’s really developed some stunning points of difference between itself and the rest. It’s put together by some of the best in the business – a crack team – and I’m thrilled to be joining them.”

He also has experience at commercial broadcasters having worked on Seven’s Witness and Nine’s Wildlife amongst other shows.

Ina  note to staff this morning ABC’s head of current affairs Bruce Belsham said: “Steve has been an outstanding executive producer for the past  12 years – the first six of those with the 7.30 Report – and the latter six with Foreign Correspondent.  Whether handling the cut and thrust of daily current affairs or overseeing a polished prime time weekly show, Steve has provided leadership, strong editorial judgement, flair and attention to quality.

“In recent years he has overseen a renewal and consolidation of Foreign Correspondent with a commitment to compelling subjects and strong narratives.  The program has grown audience and reputation and has had many standout episodes.  This year’s ‘Ordeal in Egypt’ about imprisoned journalist  Peter Greste comes to mind as a powerful human story – as was 2013’s  ‘Ibrahim’s War ‘ the story of a boy trying to maintain his hope in war-torn Aleppo.  Last year the program won a Logie Award for “Prisoner X”.  Steve helped develop many such stories in his time as executive producer.

“Steve’s time with 7.30 Report and the occasional stint with Four Corners showed the same commitment to making programs that resonate with audiences.

“I wish Steve all the best with his new venture but he will be missed by ABC staff and colleagues.”

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