The chair of nine entertainment's board has apologised. After a report concluded that belittlement and abuse of power were commonplace. In the company's broadcast news division. The findings were part of an external review conducted after the departure, of the news and current affairs boss Darren Wick.
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00:00A report into Nine's workplace found leaders at its broadcast division singled out staff
00:07and belittled them as part of a culture where workers were routinely shamed and intimidated.
00:13It's appalling and it's an open secret for anyone who's worked in journalism.
00:18Staff were quoted anonymously.
00:20A woman presenter was told when she got pregnant, why would you go and do that?
00:25Channel Nine destroyed me as a human being.
00:28There was a point when I wanted to kill myself.
00:31The independent report paints a stark picture of a company where decisions are made for
00:36personal gain and an individual's role can be used to bully, harass or punch down.
00:43It was commissioned by former chief executive Mike Sneasby in the wake of the departure
00:47of news boss Darren Wick, who had been accused of inappropriate behaviour.
00:52The review covered Nine's radio stations and newspapers, but staff and broadcast television
00:58reported the worst treatment.
01:0062% said they had experienced or witnessed abuse of power, 57% experienced bullying,
01:08discrimination or harassment and 30% had experienced sexual harassment.
01:14No individuals are named in the report, but in a meeting with acting chief executive Matt
01:19Stanton today, staff were reportedly furious that those responsible were not identified.
01:25And I think this is an opportunity now for a major change in the organisation.
01:29I can tell you already, staff are saying this better not be just another lip service.
01:35In a statement, Nine Chair Catherine West apologised to staff and said such behaviour
01:40has no place at Nine.