An independent report has revealed that Nine Entertainment, Australia’s largest media company, has systemic problems across the company, including abuse of power and authority, bullying, discrimination and sexual harassment.
“These actions are driven by a lack of leadership accountability; power imbalances; gender inequality and a lack of diversity; and a significant lack of trust in leaders at all levels of the business,” the company said Thursday. said in a statement after receiving the report.
The report, based on 122 interviews, concluded that “known perpetrators” of inappropriate behavior in the workplace were not being addressed. Instead, staff who were victims of the perpetrator were simply warned to avoid the perpetrator.
Although the report did not name individuals, it found that some “leaders” tried to cover up inappropriate behavior in the workplace or tried to prevent incidents from being reported.
The review will comprehensively examine workplace culture, particularly in TV news and current affairs, following allegations of inappropriate behavior by former Nine news director Darren Wick, who abruptly resigned in March following complaints from staff. The purpose of this study is to investigate the following: Wick has not publicly commented on the complaint.
Nine’s broadcasting division makes up 35% of its 5,000 employees. The publishing division, which publishes traditional newspapers such as the Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and the Australian Financial Review, accounts for 18% of the workforce.
While the focus of the report was on the culture of the news department, all employees within the company were surveyed about the prevalence of inappropriate behavior in the workplace.
The Nine board has apologized to affected staff and pledged to implement all 22 recommendations in its report to ‘reset Nine’s culture’.
More than half (57%) of all employees in the broadcast sector also reported experiencing bullying, discrimination, or harassment.
Public humiliation, “termite behavior,” derogatory remarks or actions, and aggressive or coercive behavior were found to be common and normalized. The report says this behavior is perpetrated by leaders and peers alike, but often goes unaddressed.
The report said: “There is a lack of accountability, decisions in the workplace are based on personal interests and preferences, and individuals’ roles and positions are used to bully, harass, or ‘stalk’ them. He pointed out that it is an organization that has the potential to
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The report describes an “ecosystem of inequality” in which low performers are largely left alone, while high performers shoulder a more significant workload.
Those who are not perceived as “favorable” are given bad shifts and denied career opportunities.
The Nine chairman Catherine West said Thursday was an incredibly difficult day for the media company.
“The conduct described in the report is unacceptable,” she said.
“Abuse of power, bullying, sexual harassment and inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated. This type of behavior will not be tolerated at Nine.
“We believe that far too many past and present employees have been harmed by a poor work culture, the prevalence of inappropriate behavior in the workplace, and Nine’s past inadequate responses to that behavior. I admit that.
“We deeply apologize to those who have experienced inappropriate conduct that is inconsistent with Nine’s values.On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to offer our sincere apologies.
“The strength and courage they have shown in sharing their stories as part of this process has enabled us to move forward as an organization with a clear understanding of where we went wrong, and to share their stories. Their insights will help us better strengthen Nine’s culture.”We are grateful to them for that.
“Although aggressive culture change plans are already underway, the reality is that more needs to be done and a cultural reset is needed.Nine’s board and management team has come together to make the necessary changes. We are committed to accelerating and promoting
Nine’s acting chief executive Matt Stanton said the report was difficult to read.
“It was personally distressing for me to read these stories from our employees. It’s far below what I expected.
“Today, it is important for all of us at Nine to take time to reflect, but also move forward with a determination to do better. We have a responsibility to create a safe and respectful working environment. Our people deserve nothing more.”
