The Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance has called for the next CEO at Nine Entertainment “to reset the business with a clearer focus on supporting quality journalism.”
This follows several “scandals at the company” and a recent strike by print journalists.
Acting Director of MEAA Media, Michelle Rae, said the strike was effectively a vote of no confidence in the direction Sneesby had taken the company.
“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,” she said.
“They want an end to the cover ups and big pay outs for bad behaviour by Nine executives. 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.”
Sneesby today announced his departure, set for September 30, after a decade with the company and 3.5 years in the top role.
An external independent review into workplace culture is also due at the end of October.
“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,” said Rae.
“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.”
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