Nine culture reviews reveal bullying and harassment

An independent investigation by one of Australia’s largest media companies, Nine Entertainment, has found widespread bullying, harassment and intimidation.

More than half of the review’s respondents said they had witnessed “abuse of power”.

The review follows allegations of sexual harassment against Nine’s ex-head of news, Darren Wick.

Nine has committed to adopting all 22 recommendations to overhaul its complaints processes and improve its culture.

Nine

Nine Entertainment Corporation is a media conglomerate that oversees several news and entertainment brands.

It has about 5,000 employees across Channel Nine, newspapers The Age and the Sydney Morning Herald, property advertiser Domain and youth publisher Pedestrian.tv.

Nine also owns streaming platform Stan and radio stations in most capital cities.

Background

In March, Darren Wick, the head of Nine’s news and current affairs department, stepped down. He was replaced two months later by Fiona Dear.

In May, Sky News and the Sydney Morning Herald published anonymous allegations from nine employees of bullying and sexual harassment by Wick.

Senior Nine leaders sent an email to staff acknowledging the “serious” allegations of “inappropriate behaviour” that had occurred.

Nine hired consulting firm Intersection to launch an evaluation of the company.

Findings

Nearly 1,000 employees were surveyed and about 120 were interviewed. Intersection released its final report this week.

The survey found that 49% of employees had experienced bullying, discrimination or harassment.

Rates were highest in the broadcast division of Nine (57%) and Stan (55%).

Nearly two-thirds of people working in Nine’s broadcasting division said they had witnessed or experienced abuse of power and authority.

The report details claims of sexual harassment, bullying and a “toxic” workplace culture at Nine.

Witnesses told Intersection about groping, kissing and stalking within the broadcast department.

The report identified multiple factors that create the environment. It said the workplace for women was “look-based,” with some promoted because of “looks, not skills.”

It turned out that a lack of diversity also contributed to a poor workplace culture.

Anonymous statements from Nine employees:

“It wouldn’t be uncommon to be asked or hear, “Who did you fuck last night?” or “Someone’s gonna get their dick sucked.”

“Bullies thrive and are rewarded.”

“I have witnessed a (woman) bully/intimidate a co-worker to the point where they resigned, and then the same female bully then bullied the replacement. And then it happens again.”

“Sexual harassment against young women is happening and I find that completely unacceptable.”

Recommendations

The report concluded that there were “concerning levels of inappropriate workplace conduct” at Nine.

It says employees are being let down by the checks and balances in place to stop bad behavior, which the company says is “not working well”.

It made 22 recommendations to change the organization’s culture. This includes investing in a centralized human resources system, appointing an independent complaints investigator, developing a diversity and inclusion strategy and better training for managers.

Answer

In a statement, Nine apologized “unreservedly” and promised to adopt the recommendations.

Nine chair Catherine West said: “A cultural reset is required.”

“Too many of our former and current employees have been harmed by poor workplace culture, the prevalence of inappropriate workplace behavior and Nine’s past inadequate response to that behaviour.”

The main media trade union, the Media Entertainement and Arts Alliance (MEAA), said Nine’s cultural review should be a “wake-up call for Australia’s media industry”.

MEAA acting director Michelle Rae said: “It is an indictment on Nine’s management that these practices were allowed to continue for decades.”

“The victims’ careers were ruined, while the perpetrators were often rewarded and their crimes covered up,” Rae said.

1800 RESPECT:

Call: 1800 737 732

Text: 0458 737 732

Video: 1800RESPECT.org.au