Former news boss accused of harassing colleagues
Nine Entertainment has commissioned an independent review of its workplace culture following allegations of inappropriate behaviour by its former television news boss and how the organisation is handling it.
Chief executive Mike Sneesby told employees in an email that the organisation is tapping an external firm to conduct the review, ABC News reported.
According to the report, the review will look into the "behaviours and concentration of power that has damaged the trust and fairness within our television newsrooms."
The review comes amid sexual harassment allegations involving former director of news and current affairs Darren Wick, who resigned in mid-March. Among the accusations include the former TV news boss behaving inappropriately during a Logies afterparty and at a network Christmas party.
Employees are also accusing Nine of using non-disclosure agreements (NDA) to cover up the controversy, Sky News reported.
But Sneesby denied in his recent email that he signed NDAs for any employee relating to a complaint or behavioural issue.
Amid the circulating allegations elsewhere, the CEO also encouraged his staff to report issues through an external complaint line or to Nine's executive group as the investigation moves forward.
"At this stage, we have not directly received any information about those complaints so I would encourage those individuals, or anyone else with information, to provide it … so it can be independently investigated," he said as quoted by The Guardian.
The CEO added that they have taken "positive steps" over the years to improve its culture.
"But the recent reports that detail alleged serious failings of leadership in television news clearly tells me more work needs to be done to ensure we have a safe and inclusive workplace throughout Nine," he said.
Communications Minister Michelle Rowland also weighed in on the ongoing controversy saying media outlets needs to lift their standards when handling allegations of poor workplace behaviour.
"That it is incumbent on all institutions, on all companies, including the one in question, to do better — to be transparent in the way that it conducts its investigations," she said as quoted by news.com.au.
