Seven to screen unseen footage of Schapelle release on Sunday Night
The Seven Network appears to be preparing to screen as yet unseen footage of convicted drug smuggler Schapelle Corby’s first moments of freedom on Sunday Night.
A promo released by the TV network tonight previews an episode of the Sunday Night program showing the release of Corby from prison, footage from inside the car she was transported to a compound in, and her first moments in the compound being greeted by family members and video calling others.
A spokesman for Sunday Night denied that the network had paid for access to the Corby family and said there would not be a direct interview in the piece to air on Sunday.
“There’s no interview with Schapelle, and no payment was made. It’s a compelling piece of journalism that captures the moments and days after Schapelle stepped behind the door of the villa and experienced freedom for the first time in nine and a half years,” said the spokesman.
Seven has been at the centre of a media debate in the last four weeks around whether or not it paid for an interview with Schapelle and her family members and is facing questions about whether Indonesian authorities will allow her to do the interview.
Domestically the network was raided by Australian Federal Police officers last week searching for evidence of a contract between the family and the network.
The AFP has now been taken to court by Seven as the two parties duke it out.
Nic Christensen
Good editing… It’s funny what fade to blacks and dramatic music can do to a piece which will probably have very little substance to it all.
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