Channel Seven bloodbath continues as senior Melbourne crime reporter is stood down - following several other high-profile layoffs
READ MORE: Robert Ovadia: Senior Channel Seven journalist is stood down
A third Channel Seven senior staffer has been stood down, following the recent layoffs of network veterans Robert Ovadia and Andrew Frampton.
Seasoned Melbourne crime reporter Cameron Baud was recently let go by the Network.
'He is not part of our plans for the future,' Channel Seven said in a statement.
Baud, who began working with Seven in December 2010, was reportedly told by outgoing News Director Shaun Menegola on Wednesday they no longer needed him, reports the Herald Sun.
The firing was reportedly unexpected, with Baud being told in the middle of working on a story that he had to leave, and he immediately vacated the Network's Docklands headquarters.
A third Channel Seven senior staffer has been stood down, following the recent layoffs of network veterans Robert Ovadia and Andrew Frampton
Melbourne's new news director, Chris Salter, and the network's chief of news and current affairs, Anthony DeCeglie, are reportedly planning to lay off a significant number of employees in their Victorian newsroom.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Channel Seven for comment.
Baud's sacking comes just a week after reports senior Seven journalist Robert Ovadia was also stood down, while an allegation of inappropriate behaviour by him towards a woman is being investigated.
Seasoned Melbourne crime reporter Cameron Baud (pictured) was recently let go by the Network
'He is not part of our plans for the future,' the Network said in a statement. Baud began working with Seven in December 2010 and was reportedly told by their News Director on Wednesday the network no longer needed him, reports the Herald Sun
However, a Seven spokesperson confirmed the veteran presenter had been placed on 'leave' as the investigation continues.
'Robert Ovadia is on leave. Seven is conducting an investigation into allegations of inappropriate behaviour by Ovadia,' the spokesperson said.
Ovadia has reportedly hired a lawyer to represent him while the investigation is being conducted.
Senior Channel Seven journalist Robert Ovadia (pictured) has also been placed on 'leave' by the network as an investigation into workplace misconduct continues
'Seven has told me no current or former colleague has made any complaint against me,' Ovadia said in a statement to The Age.
'As far as I am aware, I have not been stood down by the company. Any suggestion I have behaved inappropriately at any time is false, malicious and will be defended.'
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Daily Mail Australia does not suggest that any allegation of inappropriate behaviour made against Ovadia is true.
Elsewhere, Patrick Dybell recently took over as Chief of Staff in the Sydney newsroom from 'highly respected' Andrew Frampton, who had been in the role for six years before his sudden departure.
Last week, the Herald Sun reported Frampton 'was called into a meeting' on Thursday, June 6 'and left the building soon after'.
'Congratulations to Patrick Dybell who will take on the crucial role of chief of staff,' an email to all staff from Sydney News Director Neil Warren read.
'I'd like to thank outgoing chief of staff Andrew Frampton for his many years of loyal service with 7News.
'Andrew's departure comes as we restructure into a digital first newsroom and it was entirely amicable and on good terms.
'We wish him all the best in his next endeavour, which we're sure he'll excel at.'