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60 Minutes producer sacked over child abduction story

“Other staff involved in the planning and execution of this story have received formal warnings.”
60 minutes producer sacked over child abduction story

60 Minutes producer Stephen Rice has been sacked over the botched Beirut child abduction story.

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“Stephen Rice, the producer of the Sally Faulkner story, will be leaving the company effective immediately,” a statement from Nine said.

“Other staff involved in the planning and execution of this story have received formal warnings.”

A review was held by the show’s founding boss Gerald Stone, former corporate consultant David Hurley, and general counsel Rachel Launders, News.com.au reports.

“The crew continue to receive counselling related to the events in Lebanon and the other team members will return to work soon.”

The 60 Minutes team travelled to Beirut where a team from Child Abduction Recovery international were paid to grab the two children of Brisbane mother Sally Faulkner.

On April 7, Faulkner and the 60 Minutes crew – which consisted of Rice, reporter Tara Brown, sound recordist David Ballment and camera man Ben Williamson – were detailed by Lebanese police.

A rumoured $1 million payment to the children’s father Ali Elamine enabled them to be released.

However, Faulkner was also forced to relinquish full custody of her two children.

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