Radio host Richard Stubbs sorry over ‘bully’ claims

ONE of the ABC’s highest-profile radio hosts is at the centre of a bullying row involving several female staff members.

Patrizio Buanne after concert party Patrizio Buanne and Richard Stubbs

ONE of the ABC’s highest-profile radio hosts is at the centre of a bullying row involving several female staff members.

Afternoons host Richard Stubbs has had a formal complaint of bullying laid by a senior producer, followed with two other complaints alleging similar conduct against female staff.

After initially denying the allegations, the Herald Sun understands the veteran broadcaster was forced to make a humiliating apology in front of a room full of ABC staff.

He was then encouraged to take consecutive periods of leave and some colleagues are speculating he will not return.

ABC spokesman Nick Leys has confirmed “workplace issues” exist but has denied suggestions that Stubbs will not return to the airwaves in 2015.

“ABC management was made aware of workplace issues regarding Richard Stubbs and undertook an enquiry with concerned staff,” he said.

“The ABC is satisfied the matter has been resolved appropriately and acknowledges Mr Stubbs’s deep regret for any distress caused to his colleagues. He is on scheduled leave and will return and is looking forward to a positive year with the team at 774.”

Stubbs is known for having a fiery temper and has put several colleagues offside.

Under the ABC’s Vision, Values and Diversity plan, the company professes to provide a “positive working environment” where “we treat each other with consideration and dignity”.

The revelations come as the ABC falls further behind 3AW on the hotly contested AM bandwidth trailing the industry leader by 2.7 points in the last survey period, up from 0.3 in the previous survey.

The Afternoons program hosted by Stubbs dropped in the last ratings period falling to a 6.7 share behind 3AW on 8.5, Fox 9.8, Gold 10.9, Mix 7.0, Triple M 8.3, Nova 7.7 and Smooth FM on 8.6.

An ABC source says a regular ABC contributor is campaigning for Stubbs to be sacked, with a view of taking over his program.

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