A damning independent review into Seven West Media has exposed a "diabolical" workplace culture, with staff alleging pervasive bullying, sexism and the protection of favoured executives driven by a relentless ratings obsession.
The confidential assessment of the network's corporate climate in 2024 revealed widespread discontent among personnel, ABC News Business reported, painting a picture of an organisation where misconduct was routinely overlooked in the pursuit of commercial dominance.
Pervasive Misconduct Behind Closed Doors
According to the report, current and former staff members detailed serious allegations of entrenched misogyny, harassment and intimidation within the broadcaster's television and publishing divisions.
Witnesses who contributed to the review described the workplace atmosphere as toxic and destructive, with multiple accounts suggesting complaints were either disregarded or actively suppressed by management. Female employees reportedly bore the brunt of discriminatory behaviour, with several contributors testifying that inappropriate conduct had become normalised across multiple production and newsroom departments.
The findings represent one of the most severe internal critiques faced by an Australian commercial media network in recent memory, echoing broader reckonings across the domestic television sector.
Protection For 'Sacred Cow' Executives
Central to the allegations aired in the review was the preferential treatment afforded to high-ranking personnel. ABC News Business reported that senior figures close to then-chairman Kerry Stokes were regarded as "sacred cows", remaining insulated from accountability despite recurring complaints regarding their conduct.
Insiders claimed a two-tiered system existed within the network, wherein select executives enjoyed total impunity due to their proximity to the boardroom. Human resources processes were repeatedly bypassed or rendered toothless when allegations touched these protected figures, according to submissions outlined in the report.
The revelations cast an uncomfortable light on the corporate governance practices overseen during Mr Stokes' tenure as executive chairman, a period characterised by aggressive commercial expansion and intense operational control.
Ratings Fixation At Any Cost
The internal review also highlighted how Seven West Media's unyielding focus on ratings fuelled cultural dysfunction. Submissions described a hyper-competitive ethos where commercial metrics and prime-time audience victories were prioritised above employee welfare, psychological safety and basic governance standards.
Production crews and editorial staff were reportedly subjected to relentless pressure, with managers tolerating abusive conduct from key talent and executives as long as their programmes delivered strong audience shares.
The commercial incentives of free-to-air broadcasting were seen as actively driving the network's tolerance of rogue behaviour, leaving vulnerable staff with little recourse if their wellbeing collided with corporate targets.
Commercial Television Under Fresh Scrutiny
The leak of the 2024 review places renewed pressure on Seven West Media's executive leadership and board to deliver substantial structural reform.
The broader Australian television industry has faced sustained scrutiny over the past two years, with rival networks and public broadcasters similarly forced to confront historical issues surrounding gender inequality, bullying and inadequate reporting mechanisms.
However, the specific allegations of systemic protectionism and a "diabolical" internal climate at Seven West Media threaten to complicate the network's attempts to rebuild its external reputation among advertisers, regulators and prospective talent. Stakeholders are now expected to demand greater transparency regarding how the network plans to address the damning evidence compiled in the review.
