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Nine’s review into its workplace culture, amid widespread claims of sexual harassment and bullying, to be handed down by October 31

The trouble-plagued media company will soon hand down the external review into the organisation’s workplace culture, amid claims of sexual harassment and widespread bullying.

Nine CEO Mike Sneesby in the Paris Olympics torch relay.
Nine CEO Mike Sneesby in the Paris Olympics torch relay.

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Trouble-plagued media company Nine Entertainment has told staff the findings from the organisation’s independent review into its workplace culture – which was commissioned after allegations emerged of sexual harassment and bullying within the broadcast division – will be handed down at the end of October.

On Wednesday, Nine’s people and culture director Vanessa Morley sent an email to staff thanking those who had “contributed to this process”, and acknowledged the “courage you have displayed in doing so”.

In May The Australian exclusively revealed Nine’s news boss of 13 years, Darren Wick, had left the company after a formal complaint was made against him by a female staffer.

Two months prior, Wick had told staff in an email that he was leaving the company because he was “tired” and needed a “rest”.

The initial allegation of workplace misconduct against Wick prompted other women to report their own experiences of being subjected to inappropriate behaviour by the former news boss and other senior figures at the network, and the failures of management to address the problem.

Wednesday’s update on the progress of the report into its TV arm – which is being compiled by external consulting firm Intersection – comes just two days after Wick appeared on the front page of The Australian, having avoided media attention in the four months since the serious allegations against him were first aired.

Wick made no comment when approached by The Australian outside a shopping centre on Sunday.

Darren Wick questioned for the first time on Nine scandal

Two weeks ago, The Australian asked Nine’s chief executive officer Mike Sneesby when the report would be ready.

“I’m not going to put a timeline on it,” he said on August 28.

“What I will say is we are committed to ensuring we get to the right outcomes on the review, and I mean that from a board and leadership point of view.”

Former Nine News chief Darren Wick. Source: Supplied
Former Nine News chief Darren Wick. Source: Supplied

Wick announced his resignation in March, telling staff via email: “After many long beach walks and even longer conversations, I know in my heart that this is the right time for me to step down and leave Nine,” he said.

Ms Morley told employees the external report will provide Nine with a “systemic view of our workplace culture, risks and recommendations for change”.

“Importantly, this report will not sit in isolation,” she said.

“We will use the findings and recommendations alongside our prior cultural review and surveys, to inform evolving the culture we are driving at Nine.”

Nine’s share price closed at $1.25 on Wednesday, down 38 per cent since the beginning of the calendar year.

Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/media/nines-review-into-its-workplace-culture-amid-widespread-claims-of-sexual-harassment-and-bullying-to-be-handed-down-by-october-31/news-story/841d4c5c69b765e5b55db96a13ed891b