Nova Entertainment staff to file class action lawsuit against radio network

Former employees of Nova Entertainment radio stations are reportedly planning a class action lawsuit against the media company.

At least 15 employees are part of the proposed lawsuit with allegations ranging from bullying and harassment to discrimination, reports Variety Australia.

A spokesperson for the Lachlan Murdoch-owned radio network said in a statement on Friday it was ‘not aware of the filing of any class action or other legal proceedings related to alleged workplace misconduct’.

Kristian Bolwell, the principal solicitor of WorkLawyers, confirmed on Thursday he had been approached by a number of ex-employees about their concerns.

Sources told Variety the claims were ‘mostly focused on one senior executive’ who has not been named, though there were allegations levelled against other senior employees, too.  

The allegations could reach a court ‘within weeks’.

Nova Entertainment launched a whistleblower program for concerned employees in May last year.

Unaware: A spokesperson for the Lachlan Murdoch-owned radio network said in a statement on Friday it was ‘not aware of the filing of any class action or other legal proceedings related to alleged workplace misconduct’. (Pictured: Lachlan and Sarah Murdoch in Washington, D.C., in September 2019. Mr Murdoch is not accused of any wrongdoing)

In its statement, the media group said: ‘NOVA Entertainment endeavours to ensure our workplace is free of bullying and harassment, whether based on an employee’s sex, race, religion, disability or any other characteristic.

‘In May 2021 we implemented Speak Up!, a new whistleblower program for employees to report any forms of misconduct, as well as a new partnership with Your Call, an independent confidential service that provides a channel for reporting conduct and behaviour that falls short of our expected standards.

‘We encourage anyone with concerns to contact the service.’

Allegations: At least 15 employees are part of the proposed lawsuit with allegations ranging from bullying and harassment to discrimination, reports Variety. (Pictured: Nova FM drive hosts Kate Ritchie, Tim Blackwell and Joel Creasy, who are not accused of any wrongdoing)

The news comes after Mr Murdoch, who is not accused of any wrongdoing, flew into Sydney on his $90million private jet last week.

Daily Mail Australia is not suggesting his visit to Australia is related to any proposed legal action against Nova Entertainment. 

The media baron and his wife, former model and TV presenter Sarah Murdoch, spent a relaxing day on their $30million superyacht, Istros, on Saturday.

The couple, who have been married for 23 years, enjoyed lunch and champagne on the vessel as they cruised around Sydney Harbour with family and friends.

The News Corp co-chairman last visited Sydney in April when he stopped by after a trip to French Polynesia with his family.

Before then, he had visited Australia in February with commentator Piers Morgan.

Claims: Sources told Variety the claims were ‘mostly focused on one senior executive’ who has not been named, though there were allegations levelled against other senior employees, too.(Pictured: Nova 100 breakfast hosts Chrissie Swan, Sam Pang and Jonathan Brown, who are not accused of any wrongdoing)

During the Covid pandemic, it looked as though the Murdochs planned to settle Down Under permanently.

Lachlan and Sarah are parents to sons Kalan Alexander, 17, and Aidan Patrick, 16, and daughter Aerin Elisabeth, 12.

In April last year, the Sydney Morning Herald reported they could be staying in Australia ‘for years, not months, as initially believed’.

The couple, who own a home in Bellevue Hill, known as Le Manoir, married in 1999.

Home again: The news comes after Mr Murdoch (pictured in November 2018) flew into Sydney on his $90million private jet last week. Daily Mail Australia is not suggesting his visit to Australia is related to any proposed legal action against Nova Entertainment