The Age editor Mark Forbes resigns amid harassment claims
The Age editor-in-chief Mark Forbes has resigned just eight months after he took on the top job at the Melbourne newspaper, following sexual harassment claims from two women.
Mark Forbes resigns after sexual harassment allegations
A second female journalist made a complaint against Forbes after the news of his suspension was made public, with the complaint relating to a conversation she had with Forbes at a social function in February this year when he was news director.
In an email to staff on Monday Forbes apologised “to the person involved” and wrote: “The Age demands the highest standards of behaviour from our leaders, in the community, business and politics. As EIC of The Age, I must uphold all the standards which we would expect in others.
“I acknowledge and accept that I have not done so. Whatever the circumstance, even a single lapse of judgement in upholding these standards should have serious consequences.
“Accordingly, I believe it is untenable to remain as EIC.”
He added: “This is, I hope, a reminder to all that our dealings with all women must be respectful and equitable at all times.
“For those who have expressed support over these recent days, I thank you, but I know in my heart this is the right thing to do.”
Forbes has had a lengthy career in some of Australia’s most celebrated journalism outlets including The ABC’s Four Corners. He has also won a number of awards for investigative journalism.
He stepped up as editor-in-chief at The Age at the beginning of April. His previous duties with Fairfax Media included news director of The Age and editor of The Sunday Age.
A statement from Fairfax Media editorial director Sean Aylmer said.: “Mark felt that in this instance he had fallen short of the behaviour that The Age stands for.
“We acknowledge Mark’s extensive service to Fairfax spanning more than 30 years, in various roles including News Director of The Age, Editor of The Sunday Age, defence and foreign affairs correspondent in Canberra, as well as Indonesia correspondent.
“Editor of The Age, Alex Lavelle, will oversee the newsroom.”
According to a report on The Age, staff in the Melbourne newsroom were addressed by Aylmer this morning in the first official meeting with staff about the investigation.
According to The Age, Alymer said Fairfax Media had conducted a thorough investigation since it first heard of the complaint two weeks ago. He described the incident as “unsavoury, and it’s disappointing, and it can make you angry”.
Forbes will not be coming back into the office and is expected to release a statement.
The Age editor Alex Lavelle will oversee the newsroom.
Mark Forbes’ note in full:
I am stepping down from my position as Editor in Chief of The Age and leaving Fairfax Media.
The Age is one of Australia’s strongest journalistic institutions, and has campaigned strongly for social justice. We have been outspoken on the treatment of women, and harassment in any form.
The Age demands the highest standards of behaviour from our leaders, in the community, business and politics. As EIC of The Age, I must uphold all the standards which we would expect in others.
I acknowledge and accept that I have not done so. Whatever the circumstance, even a single lapse of judgement in upholding these standards should have serious consequences.
Accordingly, I believe it is untenable to remain as EIC.
I again apologise to the person concerned, and I apologise to all of you as, ultimately, I have let you down.
I want the outstanding and courageous journalism of The Age newsroom, on gender, justice, inequality and holding the great and powerful to account, to continue unobstructed.
I accept and support the right of any employee who feels they have been treated unfairly, disrespectfully, or harassed to report it.
This is, I hope, a reminder to all that our dealings with all women must be respectful and equitable at all times.
For those who have expressed support over these recent days, I thank you, but I know in my heart this is the right thing to do.
I want to thank the staff of The Age for their outstanding work this year, under challenging circumstances, and my admiration for the dedication of my colleagues that I have witnessed over every day during more than 30 years with Fairfax.”
Miranda Ward worked for Mumbrella from 2013 to 2017, eventually becoming deputy editor. Miranda joined Mumbrella in September 2013 from Sky News.
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