Nine Entertainment communications boss Victoria Buchan to leave the company
One of Nine’s senior managers has announced she is leaving the business just weeks before the company hands down its review into workplace bullying and sexual harassment.
Nine Entertainment’s communications boss Victoria Buchan has been made redundant, with her departure announced just weeks before the media company is due to hand down its findings into its long-awaited workplace culture review.
On Monday morning Nine’s interim CEO Matt Stanton sent an email to staff informing them that he and Ms Buchan – who is the director of communications and public relations – had “agreed” for her “to leave the business as we go about restructuring the corporate roles”.
Ms Buchan’s departure comes after the trouble-plagued company commissioned an independent review into workplace culture at the ASX-listed media business, following allegations of sexual harassment and bullying within its broadcasting division.
It is understood Ms Buchan’s exit is not linked to the findings of the cultural review – the findings have yet to be made public and are scheduled to be handed down at the end of this month.
Ms Buchan has been at Nine for 15 years and had close ties with former news and current affairs boss Darren Wick who left the company in March.
The Australian exclusively revealed in May that Wick – who had led Nine’s news division for 13 years – departed the media company after a formal complaint was made against him.
Ms Buchan’s departure also comes just two weeks after former Nine CEO Mike Sneesby left the business, and the exit of chair Peter Costello in June after he barged into The Australian’s reporter Liam Mendes, who was at the time questioning him about Wick’s sudden departure.
Ms Buchan sent an email to staff on Monday and thanked them “for all the great times”.
“While this year has been more challenging than most, I’ve enjoyed the ride since joining Nine back in 2010,” she said.
“We’ve come a long way since those days.
“I’m looking forward to some family time over the summer and then getting stuck back into some projects or opportunities to work in the industry I love and know so well.
“As you know, my work has been a passion for me, and that’s not going to change.
“I will continue to watch, read and listen to all you do and be cheering from the sideline. I can’t wait to reboot and look for great projects and most importantly, great people to work with.
“It’s been a privilege.”
Nine Entertainment is also the owner of radio stations 2GB, 3AW, 4BC and 6PR and mastheads including The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald and The Australian Financial Review.
Mr Stanton said Ms Buchan “will be around to support the restructure of the team before she formally finishes up at the end of November”.
It is understood Ms Buchan also began addressing staff about her exit on Monday.
She heads up dozens of staff at Nine including the national publicity team, corporate communications and the hair, make-up and wardrobe department.
Ms Buchan was contacted but did not comment.
Nine’s share price closed at $1.22 on Monday, down 1.61 per cent.
More Coverage
Tonagh quits ABC board early
Communications Minister Michelle Rowland and an independent panel will now need to find a replacement for the ABC’s deputy chairman just months out from a federal election.
The Australian’s 50 Best Photos of 2024
From the US election to the Paris Olympics, from natural disasters to wars, and from tragedies to triumphs, as well as the 60th Anniversary of The Australian, 2024 was the best of times and worst of times.