Nine boss’s mealy-mouthed promise as network reels from bombshell report into toxic sex pest culture

Nine’s acting CEO Matt Stanton has promised “meaningful” changes at the network in the wake of the toxic scandal engulfing the media giant.

Speaking at Nine’s star-studded ‘upfront’ on Thursday, Stanton spoke about the independent investigation which found the network had an entrenched culture of bullying, abuse of power and sexual harassment.

He promised changes would follow the confrontational revelations, and thanked advertisers for sticking with the channel despite the damaging headlines.

“As an organization, we have had to confront some hard truths and address systemic cultural issues, which has been incredibly challenging for our people,” he said.

“At all levels of the business, we are deeply committed to embedding meaningful and lasting change at Nine.

‘[We] We believe this difficult but necessary process will enable more of our people to perform at their best and pave the way for positive, industry-leading change.

“As our trusted partners, I would like to thank you for all your continued support, which has been tremendous and which I know our people greatly appreciate.”

There was an awkward silence in the room before Stanton abruptly changed the subject.

“So,” he said, instantly cheering up. “Looking ahead, we are focused on setting new benchmarks in content, data and technology and continuing to lead the Australian market.

“We are all in this room today with the shared goal of growing our respective businesses.”

Stanton’s comments came after reporters covering the swanky luncheon were warned not to quiz the network’s star panelists with embarrassing questions about the ongoing scandal.

Instead, they were encouraged to ask Nine’s assembled ‘personalities’ about the channel’s exciting range of upcoming programmes.

But despite the network’s best efforts to bury talk of the internal drama, the topic continued to dominate conversations among guests.

Nine executives were concerned that the saga would overshadow its ‘upfront’ – an annual celebration designed to get potential advertisers to buy up airtime – after the impressive report into the network’s culture was made public last Thursday.

The survey, conducted by Intersection, a workplace culture agency, found a nine had “a systemic problem with abuse of power and authority; bullying, discrimination and harassment; and sexual harassment’.

The survey found that 57 percent of staff in the media company’s broadcast division had experienced bullying, discrimination or harassment in the past five years, while a third said they had been sexually harassed in that period.

According to the report, the company’s toxic culture was enabled by ‘a lack of accountability from leadership; power imbalances; gender inequality and a lack of diversity; and significant distrust in leaders at all levels of the company.”

Former Nine chief executive Mike Sneesby ordered the external inquiry in June following a series of allegations against Darren Wick, the broadcaster’s recently departed head of news and current affairs.

Sneeby left the company last month, just five weeks before the report was completed, but insisted he left for unrelated reasons.

His departure came three months after Peter Costello was forced to resign as chairman of Nine in June after he appeared to deliberately knock over a reporter who bombarded him with questions at Canberra airport.

Ironically, the reporter had asked Costello if he continued to support Sneesby’s current reign as CEO.

Stanton was appointed acting CEO while a formal recruitment process for Sneesby’s replacement is underway, although insiders speculate he is likely to take on the role full-time.

Nine staff are outraged by the network’s clumsy handling of the Intersection report and perceived lack of accountability.

A-list network stars – including 60 Minutes reporters Dimity Clancey and Amelia Adams and A Current Affair weekend host Deborah Knight – blasted the media giant’s bosses at an internal staff meeting over the review.

They raised concerns after staff were told that despite the report’s findings, no action would be taken against alleged bullies lurking within the leadership ranks.

Stanton assured staff this week that there would be “change at Nine” as a result of the damning external investigation.

“Given some suspicions inside and outside Nine, I also wanted to be clear about what we are doing to hold people accountable,” he told staff in an internal email.

“We currently have a number of active investigations into issues raised by employees, some of which are being led by an external investigator with whom we are working.

“No two cases are the same, and I am sure you can appreciate that these investigations must be conducted in a manner that follows a fair and proper process, and that may take time. This will not be influenced by outside interests or public scrutiny.”

He said violators face everything from counseling to disciplinary action or even dismissal.

“There is no place at Nine for the abuse of power, bullying, sexual harassment or inappropriate behavior as outlined in the Intersection report from people who behave in this way.

“Change will happen at Nine and individuals will be held accountable for this type of behavior.”