Spat at media firm

CHARGES: CLAIMS AND COUNTER-CLAIMS ROIL MULTIMEDIA COMPANY

- Hein Kaiser

» Business anchor quits in battle with broadcast owner.

A ward-winning former war correspondent and broadcast entrepreneur Paula Slier is locked in a heated clash with veteran business anchor Ray White.

This follows allegations made by Slier and denials by White.

Slier is the sole proprietor of BGTN, an online multimedia news service that focuses on Brics-related news. White was employed as a business anchor for eight months and plans to litigate to whatever lengths the law permits him.

Slier accused White of trying to sell eight, 30-minute business shows to the SABC. In legal correspondence seen by Saturday Citizen, Slier suggested that the shows were valued at more than R4 million and her attorneys indicated that BGTN may sue for the funds, also noting that a criminal complaint had already been laid against White.

"I was stunned on receiving the letter. It is utter nonsense.

It's a weak and ludicrous attempt not to pay me. They thought I'd be scared off and just leave the issue," White said.

He just wanted to be paid the R50 000 balance of his salary due to him. The lawyer's letter said these funds would be withheld because of the allegations.