Nine releases bombshell bullying, discrimination report

An external report into the culture at ASX-listed Nine Entertainment has found the organisation has a systemic issue with abuse of power, bullying, discrimination and sexual harassment.

The report was conducted by independent firm Intersection and was commissioned in response to allegations made by several staff members, some of them specifically relating to senior TV executive Darren Wick. 

Intersection made 22 recommendations to reset culture at Nine, which also owns WAtoday and 6PR in Perth along with the Australian Financial Review, Sydney Morning Herald, the Age and radio stations including 2GB.

"The Review found very high prevalence rates of abuse of power or authority (62 per cent) in the Broadcast Division," the report said.

"Coupled with qualitative data gathered through interviews and submissions, these findings paint a picture of an organisation where accountability is lacking, where decisions in the workplace are made based on personal gain or preference, and where an individual’s role or status can be used to bully, harass or to 'punch down'."

More than 57 per cent of staff reported being the victim of bullying, discrimination or harassment.

"Experiences of public humiliation, ‘white-anting’, belittling comments or conduct, and aggressive or intimidating behaviour were found to be commonplace and normalised. These behaviours are perpetrated by leaders and peers alike and are often not addressed," the report found.

Almost one-third of employees reported being subjected to sexual harassment, though the report pointed out this was less than the average for the media industry (64 per cent) and for all industries (33 per cent).

The review was commissioned by former Nine chief executive Mike Sneesby following allegations of sexual harassment and bullying by several Nine staff members. Mr Sneesby, who was not the subject of any complaints, has since resigned.

The issue bubbled over when Mr Wick left the organisations amid claims he received a $1 million golden handshake. Nine claims Mr Wick did not receive any golden handshake, rather he was paid the accrued entitlements to which he was entitled.

Nine’s board released a statement in which it committed to implementing all 22 recommendations of the report.

“Today is an incredibly difficult day for Nine as we confront these findings and reflect on serious cultural issues as an organisation,” Nine Chair Catherine West said.

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

“We acknowledge that too many of our past and present employees have been harmed by poor workplace culture, the prevalence of inappropriate workplace behaviours, and an inadequate response in the past from Nine to those behaviours.

“To any individual who has experienced inappropriate conduct that does not meet the values of Nine, we are deeply sorry. On behalf of the Board, I unreservedly apologise.

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

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

The report also revealed details of staff complaints received by Intersection. The complainants were not identified.

Several staff members alleged inappropriate sexual behaviour.

"When I was in [unidentified location], [unidentified individual] tried to groom me," one staff member said. He also touched me on the bum at the Xmas party and at other times he would rub my legs under the table. In [unidentified location] I saw him do it to other women."

"[My supervisor] said to me 'don’t let [unidentified individual] touch your boobs'," another staff member said.

"He mainly targeted young women. Women were constantly in tears about their interactions with [unidentified Individual]. Younger women were scared to speak up."

Another staff member described comments made at a work function at which colleagues had been drinking.

"At one point in the evening, [unidentified individual] was standing in a circle with myself, my boyfriend at the time ... and a few other newsroom colleagues," the staff member said.

"There were a few harmless jokes about the relationship etc., before [unidentified Individual] said to my partner ...'You can f... her in my office if you want ... just tell me when you've done it.'. I don't need to comment on how disgusting this is."

Almost 45 per cent of women aged 25-34 reported being subjected to sexual harrassment in the past five years. Sexual harrassment of staff was most prevalent in Queensland (32 per cent of people reported being sexually harrassed in the past five years), followed by Western Australia and the Norther Territory (31 per cent).

Other staff members complained that managers often covered up poor behaviour.

"The day after it [the inappropriate workplace behaviour] happened, [unidentified individual] came up to me to talk about it," one staff member said.

"I thought she wanted to see if I was ok or if I wanted to do anything about it, but no. She was there to make sure that I didn’t say anything, that I didn’t complain. She made it very clear that it would not be in my best interests to make an issue out of it."

The power held by some senior staff members was also a cause for concern.

"This place is run like a boys’ club, and I say that as a male," one staff member said.

"The 'cool kids' (those in charge) are woefully underqualified at best. Decisions are made daily based on personal preference of friends/favours instead of to benefit the business/show/other employees. An absolute joke of a management structure and I’m shocked it’s taken this long to be looked into. [Unidentified Individual] was so powerful he could make or break careers. They gave one person too much power. He was accountable to no-one."

* The reporter works on a casual basis for Nine's Perth radio station, 6PR.