Seven’s new boss has apologised to staff and vowed to do better ahead of a shock investigation into the network’s workplace culture.
Jeff Howard, CEO and General Manager of Seven West Media, recently addressed all employees in an email, assuring them that the management team was in the process of evaluating policies, procedures and culture.
The email follows a damning investigation into workplace practices at the embattled network by ABC’s Four Corners, which is expected to air Monday night.
More than 200 employees were interviewed in the episode ‘Don’t Speak’, led by Four Corners reporter Louise Milligan.
Before the programme, Mr Howard told staff that some of the issues to be covered in the episode were “historical issues” that had been discussed before. Daily Telegraph reported.
“We are aware that they have been working on a story about Seven West Media for some time,” the email reads.
‘Some of you may have already been approached to participate; unfortunately, it appears that only a few of you have accepted the offer.’
Mr Howard added that he was committed to creating a “better media company” and that he regretted if some previous issues had not been handled properly.
Jeff Howard (pictured) has apologized to Seven West Media staff in a lengthy email ahead of a Four Corners reveal on the network
“If there are issues that they raise that were not addressed appropriately, I am disappointed. We should have done better, and for that I apologize to those involved,” Howard wrote.
A synopsis added to a Four Corners promotional clip last week said the network is “frequently” confronted with allegations of sexism and bullying.
‘Channel Seven bills itself as a family network, but Four Corners research has revealed it is a ‘second chance club’ for older men and has been described as a ‘degrading, soul-destroying’ workplace,’ the synopsis reads.
Many employees have filed legal claims against the network and many former employees have been muzzled with non-disclosure agreements.
Mr Howard said the network’s management is reviewing its workplace policies and culture, following a number of issues raised within the company.
“A number of people who exhibited behavior inconsistent with SWM’s values have already been removed from the organization,” he wrote.
‘I want to make it very clear that the actions of some individuals do not reflect the values, behaviour and attitudes of the company as a whole, which is home to some of the best, hardest working and most passionate media professionals in Australia.’
Ms Milligan went to X last week to say the national broadcaster had been inundated with complaints from former Channel 7 employees.
“Promo has only been online for a few hours and many Channel Seven complainers are already contacting us. Thank you and please be patient while we get back to you,” she wrote.
The newly appointed CEO’s email comes ahead of a shocking televised revelation aired by the ABC’s Four Corners about Channel 7’s toxic workplace culture (stock image)
‘To be crystal clear, these are complainants against Channel Seven. As in, former Seven employees. Or complainants against current Seven employees. Seven is not complaining.’
Mr Howard said more context will be provided on the issues raised in the episode once the programme airs on Monday night.