‘We should have done better’: Seven boss’s extraordinary apology to staff

Ahead of an explosive ABC program on Seven’s culture the national broadcaster says reveals issues of ‘bullying and sexism’, new CEO Jeff Howard has sent an email to staff saying he is sorry the company has not appropriately dealt with matters.

The boss of Seven West Media has issued an extraordinary apology to employees who were ‘let down’ by the network, ahead of an explosive ABC investigation into the company’s workplace culture.

In a pre-emptive strike ahead of a Four Corners expose into the culture at Seven titled “Don’t speak”, which is set to air on Monday night, newly installed chief executive Jeff Howard sent an email to all staff promising he was committed to “building a better media company”.

“By now I’m sure many of you will have seen the promo for Monday’s Four Corners episode. We know they have been working on a story about Seven West Media for a while now. Some of you may have even been approached to participate; unfortunately it looks like a few may have taken up the offer,” Mr Howard’s email said.

Jeffrey Howard, Seven West Media Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, has mad an extraordinary apology to staff. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

The lengthy email went on to say that many of the matters expected to be raised in the program are “historical ones” which he said had already been “well ventilated”.

“If any of the issues they call out weren’t appropriately addressed, that disappoints me; we should have done better, and for that I’m sorry to those affected.”

A promotional video clip for the Four Corners episode was released last week, claiming to reveal “sexism and extreme bullying” inside Seven.

The investigation by reporter Louise Milligan has been five-months in the making, and the ABC said more than 200 people had been interviewed for it.

“Channel Seven bills itself as a family network, but a Four Corners investigation finds it to be a second chance club for senior men, described as a ”degrading, soul-crushing” workplace,” the promo clip said.

“Allegations of sexism, exploitation and extreme bullying at the network are rife and staff have been left hospitalised. In some extreme cases, they have been unable to work or been suicidal”.

The Four Corners program alleges sexism and bullying are rife at Seven. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Mr Howard told staff that Seven’s management team was looking at workplace policies, procedures and culture, “particularly around some of the issues that have arisen this year”.

“A number of people who have displayed behaviour not reflective of SWM’s values have already been removed from the organisation,” he said.

“We have a great team...I want to be really clear that the actions of some individuals do not reflect the values, behaviour and attitude of the business as a whole, which is home to some of the best, hardest working and most passionate media professionals in Australia.”

Over the weekend, the promo clip for the episode was taken down from the ABC website and social media accounts.

“Promo only up for a few hours and lots of Channel Seven complainants already getting in touch. Thank you and bear with us while we get back to you all,” Four Corners reporter Louise Milligan posted online.

“To be clear, these are complainants against Seven. Who used to work there,” she added.

Mr Howard said once the full episode had been aired “we’ll provide everyone with additional context if needed”.