News

Nine CEO urges staff to report ‘inappropriate behaviour’ in light of Wick reports

Nine Entertainment CEO Mike Sneesby has sent an email to staffers, imploring them to report any “inappropriate behaviour” in the workplace.

This comes amidst claims that former news boss Darren Wick sexually harassed an on-air Nine personality at a Logies after-party on the Gold Coast.

The Nine personality told Sky News’s Sharri Markson that Wick “was gropey, he had his hands everywhere, breathing heavily in my ear, I had to peel him off me”. She was not identified.

“It was commonplace for him to drink heavily at functions and he would often get in women’s personal space. We were revolted by him,” she claimed of Wick’s behaviour.

Sneesby sent an email to Nine staff on Wednesday addressing the reports.

“Many of you will have seen external media over the last few days that draws attention to our internal processes and policies regarding complaints about conduct in the workplace,” the email began.

“It is important for everyone at Nine to know that we don’t ­tolerate inappropriate behaviour in the workplace and want to know if there is inappropriate ­behaviour occurring, so that it can be addressed promptly.

“If you want to make a complaint about treatment in the workplace, you can speak to your leader, your People and Culture representative or any of the leadership team.”

The email also made it clear that any complaints would be treated seriously, unlike the response Sky’s “unnamed Nine personality” said she received from a senior Nine executive, who allegedly told her: “That’s just Wickie.”

“If you raise an issue… our processes are designed to ensure the ­confidentiality and protection for the individual, as well as the ­confidentiality of the person who the complaint is directed at,” the email continued.

“This is ­critical, no matter what level you are in our business, to ­ensure you feel safe to make a complaint and know that it will be handled ­seriously and discreetly.”

Wick left Nine in March, claiming that after “four decades of working as a journalist” he had decided to retire.

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