Nine studies confirm bullying, discrimination and harassment

Credit: Arash Payam via Unsplash

An independent investigation into Nine Entertainment’s workplace practices and culture has found inappropriate behavior in the workplace.

The research, conducted by organizational culture agency Intersection, consisted of a company-wide survey and extensive interviews with members of the TV News & Current Affairs department.

The report shows that Nine has a systemic problem with abuse of power and authority; bullying, discrimination and harassment; and sexual harassment.

Although these experiences vary per division, half of the nine employees have experienced abuse of power.

The driving force behind this behavior is a lack of accountability from leadership; power imbalances; gender inequality and a lack of diversity; and a deep distrust of leaders at all levels of the company.

The report made 22 recommendations, prioritized by fundamental, intermediate and advanced changes needed to reset culture on Nine.

After reviewing the report today, the Board of Directors committed to implementing all 22 recommendations and requested management to provide the Board and employees with a comprehensive action plan to improve the company’s culture by November 2024.

Nine chairman Catherine West said today is an incredibly difficult day for Nine.

“As we confront these findings and reflect as an organization on serious cultural issues,” West said.

“The behavior outlined in the report is unacceptable. Abuse of power, bullying, sexual harassment and inappropriate behavior are not okay. This behavior has no place at Nine.

“We recognize that 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.

“To anyone who has experienced inappropriate behavior that does not meet Nine’s values, we are deeply sorry. On behalf of the board, I apologize without reservation.

“The strength and courage these individuals have shown in sharing their stories as part of this process will enable us to move forward as an organization with a clear understanding of where we went wrong and their insights will help shape the culture of Nine to strengthen for the better. We thank them for that.

“Despite the proactive culture change agenda already underway, the reality is that much more needs to be done and a cultural reset is needed. Nine’s board and leadership team are united in their commitment to accelerate and drive the change required.”

Nine acting CEO Matt Stanton said the Intersection report is difficult to read for the many people who enjoy working for Nine.

“It was personally disturbing for me to read these stories from our people,” Stanton said.

“The behavior experienced by many of our people across the company is not acceptable in any workplace and is well below what our people should expect in the working environment.

“While it is important that all of us at Nine take a moment to reflect today, we also move forward with the resolve to do better. We have a responsibility to our people to create a safe and respectful working environment so that they can perform at their best. Our people deserve nothing less.”

Intersection director Natasha de Silva said this report reflects the findings of the most comprehensive study of culture ever conducted in the Australian media sector.

“While our survey contains sobering findings, the strong participation in the survey is indicative of the willingness of the Nine’s employees to be part of the cultural change,” De Silva said.

“The recommendations from the review are designed to build a safe, respectful and inclusive culture at Nine going forward. I am encouraged by the Board and management’s commitment to transparency, as evidenced by the full release of the assessment report, as well as their commitment to implementing the recommendations.”

The report is available on Nine’s website.

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