‘This opportunity must not be lost’: Nine urged to put journalists first as Mike Sneesby exits
The union responsible for mobilising Nine’s journalists into a five-day strike that resulted in better pay and work conditions is now calling upon the network to “not waste the opportunity” created by CEO Mike Sneesby’s departure.
Nine announced on Thursday morning that Sneesby would be leaving the company, effective September 30.
MEAA has since called on Nine to “reset the business with a clearer focus on supporting quality journalism”, saying the next managing director appointed by Nine “must restore investment in journalism to regain public trust after a series of scandals at the company”
The acting director of MEAA Media, Michelle Rae, said Nine journalists went on strike “because they were sick and tired of Nine putting the interests of high returns to shareholders ahead of investment in the editorial frontline staff upon whom the company’s reputation for independent quality journalism depends”.
“They want an end to the cover ups and big pay outs for bad behaviour by Nine executives,” Rae said.
“They want an end to the overseas junkets to the Paris Olympics and other events. And they want an end to the mindless cuts that included up to 90 print editorial jobs announced in the middle of an enterprise bargaining campaign.
“The next managing director of Nine will have an opportunity to turn a fresh page and reset the company with a focus on its most valuable assets, its editorial staff, including aligning the publishing, broadcasting and digital operations to get the most out of its journalistic strengths.
“Nine management must understand that there is no financial bottom line without a strong journalistic frontline.
“MEAA members are willing to work constructively with the next managing director to achieve those outcomes. This opportunity must not be lost.”
Sneesby sent an all-office email shortly after Nine’s announcement, in which he was blunt about the reasons behind his departure.
“I want to be completely open about the circumstances surrounding my departure,” he wrote.
“To give some context, this year has been one of the most challenging in my career – one where our resilience has been tested. Despite the intensity of the scrutiny, my focus has not wavered from achieving the best outcomes for our people and for Nine.
“In recent months I have reflected greatly on my plans for the future, and in consultation with my family and those close to me, I made a personal decision to consider new opportunities in 2025 after seeing through the important work we are doing around our workplace culture and the outcomes of the culture review.
“Recently when our Board opened a discussion with me about my tenure, we agreed that the timing was right to commence a leadership transition.”
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Nathan Jolly is the Features Editor at Mumbrella. He joined the team in July, 2023.
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