‘We hold ourselves to account’: Seven CEO addresses workplace misconduct and controversy during Upfront
The CEO of Seven West Media has publicly addressed a wave of allegations and misconduct aimed at the media giant.
Opening the company’s Upfront presentation in Sydney on Wednesday, Jeff Howard said Seven is committed to enacting change after a number of incidents that have occurred in recent months.
This includes an Four Corners investigation which revealed a toxic workplace culture characterised by bullying, sexism, and harassment, suppression orders against a former Spotlight journalist, staff members walking out of a “Sexy Santa” performance and allegations it paid for drugs, sex workers, and a year’s rent to secure an interview with Bruce Lehrmann.
“Let me reassure everyone that we recognise the critical importance of every brand’s reputation and need for absolute safety,” Howard said.
“And that all our clients and partners have a choice. We’ve taken specific action to address our… shortcomings. We’ve made some fundamental changes to our teams and the ways we work.
“Unfortunately there are some historic matters that are still playing out and we will manage those appropriately. We hold ourselves to account and we expect our peers to do the same.
Jeff Howard presenting at Seven’s Upfront
“I look forward to a future where our industry works truly collaboratively together to address these and other opportunities.”
Howard’s comments come only weeks after Seven news boss, Anthony De Ceglie, addressed the Melbourne Press Club where he discussed a range of topics, including stamping out toxicity in the workplace.
“As a leader you need to enforce a ‘no dickheads’ policy,’’ he said.
“It only ever takes one toxic person to disrupt an entire team. And if they’re not dealt with then they can become a cancer that infects the whole staff.”
Among the several announcements at Seven’s Upfront was news that Phoenix, which the network dubs “the world’s most advanced total TV trading system”, will go live on March 2, 2025, with bookings open from early December.
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Neil Griffiths is the Managing Editor of Mumbrella. He joined the company in October 2023.
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