Channel Nine has warned staff that the long-awaited independent report into the network’s allegedly toxic newsroom culture will be made public on Thursday – just one week before the broadcaster attempts to wow advertisers at its annual ‘up fronts’.
The embattled media empire’s acting boss, Matt Stanton, said the company would brief staff on the findings of the external audit – conducted by workplace culture firm Intersection – before it was made public on Nine’s website.
The independent investigation was commissioned by Nine’s former chief Mike Sneesby in June following a string of damaging accusations about the network’s disgraced head of news and current affairs, Darren Wick.
Wick, who had led the news division for 13 years, left the company in March following accusations of sexual harassment, drunken lecherous conduct and serious inappropriate behaviour.
His departure – and Nine’s handling of the allegations – triggered a company-wide crisis as several big name stars spoke up in support of women and demanded change.
For example, Karl Stefanovic called an impromptu meeting with network staff, including fellow Today stars Sarah Abo, Sylvia Jeffreys and David Campbell, to discuss the ‘toxic culture’ back in June.
Stefanovic reportedly told colleagues ‘men need to do better’ at Nine during the powerful address as he praised the network’s female employees, describing them as the ‘heart and soul’ of the media company.
Wick’s departure and the subsequent company-wide reckoning has also led to an exodus of senior executives, including Mr Sneesby himself, who resigned just last month.
Karl Stefanovic (pictured with Today show co-star Sarah Abo) called an impromptu meeting with network staff to discuss the ‘toxic culture’ back in June
Pictured is Nine star Georgie Gardner
His exit came after Nine’s former chairman, Peter Costello, also stood down in the wake of the scandal after allegedly knocking a reporter from The Australian to the ground when he was approached for comment about the saga at Canberra airport.
Although the report was initially tasked with investigating the culture of the company’s television newsrooms under Wick, it has since been expanded to take Nine’s entire media empire, including its newspaper and radio divisions.
It’s understood that many of the network’s leading stars made submissions to the review – alongside their onscreen colleagues – and that the network’s senior executives have been waiting anxiously to be briefed on the complaints.
Daily Mail Australia is aware of numerous confidential complaints lodged against some of the Nine’s most senior male and female sitting executives.
However, it is believed the report will not make adverse findings against any particular individuals and will instead provide a ‘big picture’ snapshot of cultural issues the company needs to address internally.
In an internal email to all staff on Wednesday afternoon, Mr Stanton said additional support staff would be on hand to console staff if required in the wake of the findings being announced – though its understood he is as yet unfamiliar with the review’s contents.
‘The review was a comprehensive process and represents an important step for us as we work to strengthen our workplace culture,’ Mr Stanton told staff in the email.
The subsequent company-wide reckoning has also led to an exodus of senior executives, including chief executive Mike Sneesby (pictured), who resigned just last month
In an internal email to all staff on Wednesday afternoon, Mr Stanton said additional support staff would be on hand to console staff if required in the wake of the findings being announced – though its understood he is as yet unfamiliar with the review’s contents (pictured)
‘While we recognise the interest from some external stakeholders, we wanted to ensure our people hear directly from us about the Intersection report and have planned a briefing tomorrow for all employees.
‘We understand the completion of the review by Intersection may be a challenging time for some of our team members and have made arrangements for our Employee Assistance Program, Converge, to be on site at multiple locations for the next five business days for any confidential discussions or support you may require.
‘The review was a comprehensive process and represents an important step for us as we work to strengthen our workplace culture.’
Staff have been offered counselling and support in anticipation of the findings.
A second email has been sent to all Nine staff who had participated in the investigation by Intersection to notify them separately of the findings and offer them additional support.
‘Dear review participant, This email is to let you know that our report on the independent Review of Nine Entertainment’s culture will be submitted to the organisation tomorrow, Thursday 17 October,’ the email states.
‘It is our understanding that the findings of the report will be shared with all employees later in the day.
‘We want to express our sincere gratitude for trusting us with your experiences and acknowledge that sharing them was not easy.
‘Your experiences have helped shape the report and its recommendations, and for that we thank you.
‘Recalling your own experiences of inappropriate workplace behaviour, or hearing the experiences of other can be distressing.
‘Please do not hesitate to reach out for support if you should need it.’
The independent investigation was commissioned by Nine’s former chief Mike Sneesby in June following a string of damaging accusations about the network’s disgraced head of news and current affairs, Darren Wick (pictured)
The release of the findings comes at a difficult time for Nine, coming just one week before it showcases its upcoming schedule to potential advertisers at it’s ‘Upfront’ presentation.
While the event is usually a wine-soaked gala evening, it will instead be switched to a luncheon at Sydney’s Carriageworks precinct next Thursday.
Wick is alleged to have drunkenly groped up to a dozen women at the network.
Despite this, he was handed a reported million-dollar handshake when he left the company in March.
The self-described alcoholic was also allowed to return to work in 2021 after being caught behind the wheel at more than four times the legal limit.
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