Today presenter Karl Stefanovic says ‘good men’ at Nine have let women down

Today presenter Karl Stefanovic says he feels the ‘good men’ at the broadcaster have failed women after a damning report exposed a ‘desolate and dark’ workplace where workers were sexually harassed and objectified.

Stefanovic called on more people within Nine’s broadcasting and publishing departments to expose toxic cultures being broadcast in an independent report published on Thursday.

It was supported by moving testimonies from current and former employees, who spoke of their despair, fear and horror at workplace misconduct that had gone unaddressed.

Speaking on the Today Show on Friday, Stefanovic said “a lot of people were hurting” after the revelations.

‘So a quick word about all this. I sincerely sympathize with the women who have given testimony. I can’t imagine how hard that was and how much courage it took,” he said.

“Many people are in pain. They feel that there is no point in speaking out if the perpetrators are not called out.

“I asked the same question yesterday and I understand that several investigations are now underway and that we need to be patient throughout the process. It is essential and crucial.

‘I want to say it’s not about us, but there are good men who work here at Nine who find what happened absolutely unbearable, who struggle to understand that we didn’t know more and did something, how it makes you sad did.

“I feel like we’ve all failed you. I love my colleagues here. Women I get to present, women on the floor of this amazing show, women behind the scenes who make us all better.

Stefanovic added: “I am grateful that women are this company and that they are the way forward. They will show the way. We just have to listen and act. But it is now up to all of us to do better, to say the least. This stops now.”

While the consultancy behind the investigation found the misconduct extended to Nine’s publishing and radio arms, which includes the Australian Financial Review newspaper and Perth’s 6PR radio station, the broadcasters were the biggest problem.

In one testimony, a respondent said the workplace was described as a “punishment island.”

“A desolate and dark place where no one wants to be. And if you are not on the ‘punishment island’ that month, it is just as disturbing to see your friends and colleagues there,” they said.

About 62 percent of broadcast employees reported experiencing or witnessing abuse of power, 57 percent had experienced bullying, discrimination or harassment, and 30 percent had experienced sexual harassment.

Nine has pledged to implement all 22 recommendations from the landmark report, including overhauling its HR department, revising its code of conduct and appointing external parties to investigate workplace complaints.

Stefanovic continued by saying he was “grateful” for the women in the company and that they would “lead the way” for the future of the industry.

“We just have to listen and act. But it is now up to all of us to do better, to say the least. This stops now.”

Co-host Sarah Abo described the findings as “heartbreaking and devastating” on Friday when she spoke alongside Stefanovic.

“Some quotes were too difficult to read. “He was trying to groom me.” “She is a toxic bully.” “Her MO was to create a culture of fear,” she said.

“It’s just unacceptable behavior. These were common and repeated sentiments, with the only consolation being the incredible collegial support among colleagues.”

“There was real hope that this report would bring about change, but the pain remains and many are deeply disappointed. Some are angry and there are concerns about whether those responsible will be held accountable.”

According to the report, employees feared being left out, victimized or demoted if they took their complaints to Nine’s managers or HR department.

The investigation found that Channel 9’s owner had “a systemic problem” with abuse of power, bullying, discrimination and sexual harassment, and that management failed in its responsibilities to protect staff who were sometimes driven to the point of self-harm.