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‘We remain committed to good faith discussions’: Nine welcomes journos back with fresh negotiations

Nine has said it will be seeking a resolution to the discussions that forced its journalists to walk off the job last Friday, on the eve of the Olympics.

“We look forward to having the full publishing team back together to continue producing world-class journalism for our readers,” a Nine spokesperson told Mumbrella on Wednesday morning.

“We remain committed to good faith discussions to reach a resolution on a deal.”

On Tuesday evening, the MEAA confirmed that the striking journalists from The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, The Australian Financial Review, Brisbane Times, and WAtoday will return to their desks at 11am on Wednesday, and are prepared to meet with management.

“It is overdue for Nine’s chief executive Mike Sneesby to listen to the concerns of MEAA members that independent and fearless journalism that holds power to account requires investment and support from management,” MEAA acting director Michelle Rae said in a statement.

“Sneesby and his fellow executives need to get their priorities in order by recognising there is no financial bottom line without a strong journalistic frontline.

“The belligerence of management leading up to and during this strike has damaged the company’s reputation.

“We congratulate all MEAA members for their determination and solidarity during this strike and now look forward to constructive negotiations with management to win a fair deal so journalists can get back to what they do best: informing the public, holding the powerful to account, and exposing wrongdoing.”

It comes after a spokesperson from the MEAA confirmed to Mumbrella on Tuesday that staff would be meeting with management.

Nine journalists have a number of concerns they want addressed, including “newsrooms that reflect the diversity of the communities they are reporting for, ethical and transparent use of Artificial Intelligence, and better wages”.

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