‘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.