Welcome back to INSIDE MEDIA where we bring you the scoop on media news, with plenty of views, every Monday and Thursday.
NINE CEO STEPS DOWN
Some big news over at Nine with CEO Mike Sneesby announcing he will step down within weeks.
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Rumours had been spreading for months he would finish up after the Olympics. Those rumours turned out to be true.
His tenure started in 2021 and since then Nine Entertainment has seen a decline in value of $3b.
Adding to his woes is news the independent report into bullying and sexual harassment within the TV unit will be handed down in October.
While Sneesby is not expected to be named in the report, the serious allegations about the culture at Nine came to light under his watch.
It didn’t help that he reportedly signed off on a $1m golden handshake for former news boss Darren Wick, who is at the centre of those allegations.
Sneesby also faced criticism from employees in July when he took part in the Olympic torch relay. News of 85 redundancies in the publishing division led to strikes during the games and unions forcing a better pay deal for those employees staying with the company.
Peter Costello, one of Sneesby’s former supporters in the boardroom, was forced to step down as chairman in June after being filmed seemingly shoulder charging a video journalist.
While Sneesby is seen as “likeable” by many, I can reveal senior executives at Nine found his management style problematic.
His inability to make decisions was a constant source of frustration which led to missed opportunities.
In an email to staff, Sneebsy said “this year has been one of the most challenging in my career – one where our resilience has been tested. Despite the intensity of the scrutiny, my focus has not wavered from achieving the best outcomes for our people and for Nine.
Former Foxtel boss Amanda Laing is seen as the most likely successor.
4BC RADIO TO REMAIN LIVE AND LOCAL
Brisbane talk radio station 4BC continues to make headlines amid declining ratings, the predicted axing of its breakfast show and the departure of several on-air talent.
Momentum is building against the Laurel, Gary and Mark show, with the team expected to wind up before the end of the year.
Their employment was extended in April, but it was only a short-term contract.
Drive host Peter Gleeson announced his (surprising) resignation mid-week after taking a new job as CEO of the new greyhound facility at Yamanto.
Gleeson has been in the chair for 15 months after taking over from Neil Breen.
Gleeson will finish up on Friday and INSIDE MEDIA can confirm Gary Hargrave will take over next week on a short-term basis.
The regular fill-in was already booked to present Drive next week during a radio survey break. Bosses at 4BC have not yet determined who will fill the position for the remainder of the year.
Part of the planning process will include a big decision on who will take over breakfast and what the format will be. That will have a major impact on the rest of the schedule.
The current breakfast team is a light entertainment show with music and not much news. Critics say the format is at odds with the news talk format of the station.
While ratings were strong when the team first moved over from the discontinued 4KQ, results over the past 12 months have declined significantly.
Sources have told INSIDE MEDIA that, despite speculation, 4BC will not become a relay station of 2GB. The plan for 2025 is to broadcast live and local programming from 5.30am – 7pm.
That news will be welcomed by staff at the station, who were fearing the worst.
For the record, I am an occasion fill-in presenter at 4BC and present an entertainment report twice a week.
PLATFORMING CONTROVERSIAL OPINIONS
Much is being made of the decision by 60 Minutes to air the controversial medical views of Elle MacPherson.
Appearing on Nine’s current affairs program to promote her new book, MacPherson spoke with Tracy Grimshaw about why she turned her back on conventional medicine when diagnosed with cancer, opting to follow a holistic approach.
That’s led to a widely-reported backlash against the show for platforming ‘controversial’ and ‘alternative’ views, despite the fact Grimshaw pushed back and explained the preferred medical options available.
Social media chatter and subsequent headlines seem to suggest 60 Minutes should not have aired the interview at all.
And I just can’t get my head around it.
Who is the arbiter of what is the right – and wrong – view? In a democratic society we should be hearing a wide range of opinions, even those we disagree with.
While we’re on the subject, how good is it to be served up compelling current affairs on a Sunday night.
While Elle was sharing her personal story on Nine, James Packer was opening up about his battle with depression on 7NEWS Spotlight. It was a riveting interview with Liam Bartlett and compelling television.
In the Sunday night current affairs battle, viewers are the clear winner.
JEREMY KYLE FINDINGS
On Monday I wrote about the inquest into the death of Steve Dymond, who died one week after his appearance on The Jeremy Kyle Show.
At the time, I said a TV show shouldn’t be held responsible for the actions of a troubled man, no matter how tragic.
Coroner Jason Pegg appears to agree, ruling there was no “clear and reliable causal connection” between Dymond’s appearance on the show and his death, stating: “Steve Dymond’s participation in the show is one of a number of factors, and whilst possible that the manner experience added to his distress it is not probable.”
Lawyers for Kyle issued a statement shortly after the verdict saying: “His Majesty’s Coroner has today clearly and unequivocally found that Jeremy Kyle did not in any way cause or contribute to the tragic suicide of Steve Dymond. He is now exonerated of that ill-informed accusation and his name has finally been cleared.”
It’s nice to see common sense prevail.
Rob McKnight is the co-owner of TV Blackbox.
INSIDE MEDIA will be back on Monday.
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