Examining nine cultures reveals bullying and harassment

An independent review of one of Australia’s largest media companies, Nine Entertainment, has revealed widespread harassment, intimidation and intimidation.

More than half of those interviewed in the survey said they had witnessed an “abuse of power”.

The review follows allegations of sexual harassment against Nine’s former 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 around 5,000 employees across Channel Nine, The Age newspapers and the Sydney Morning Herald, property advertiser Domain and children’s publisher Pedestrian.tv.

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

Background

In March, the head of Nine’s news and current affairs department, Darren Wick, resigned. 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 executives sent an email to staff acknowledging “serious” allegations of “inappropriate behavior” that had taken place.

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

Results

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

The study found that 49% of workers had experienced bullying, discrimination or harassment.

Rates were highest in Nine’s broadcast division (57%) and Stan (55%).

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

The report details allegations of sexual harassment, bullying and a “toxic” work culture within Nine.

Witnesses told Intersection of being groped, kissed and stalked within the broadcast division.

The report identified several factors creating the environment. He said the workplace was “appearance-based” for women, with some promoted for “their looks not their skills”.

The study found that a lack of diversity also contributed to poor workplace culture.

Anonymous statements from nine employees:

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

“Bullies thrive and are rewarded. »

“I have seen a (woman) bully/harass a co-worker to the point where he quits, then the same bully then bullies the replacement. And then it starts again. »

“There is sexual intimidation against young women and I find it completely unacceptable. »

Recommendations

The report concludes that there are “concerning levels of inappropriate workplace behavior” at Nine.

He said employees were disappointed with existing “checks and balances” to stop bad behavior, which he said “are not working well.”

He made 22 recommendations to change the culture of the organization. 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 pledged to adopt the recommendations.

Nine chairwoman Catherine West said: “A cultural reset is needed. »

“Too many of our past and present employees have been harmed by poor company culture, the prevalence of inappropriate workplace behavior and Nine’s inadequate response to that behavior in the past. »

Leading media union the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA) said Nine’s cultural review should be a “wake-up call to the Australian media industry”.

Acting MEAA director Michelle Rae said: “It is an indictment of Nine’s management that these practices have been allowed to continue for decades. »

“Victims have had their careers ruined, while perpetrators have often been rewarded and their crimes covered up,” Rae said.

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