An independent review into Australia's national broadcaster has uncovered systemic racism in the workplace.
The Listen Loudly, Act Strongly report, led by Dr Terri Janke, shows how some Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) staff have been targeted for their race from outside the broadcaster, how they have been sidelined, patronised, or overlooked for career progression because of their race.
It outlines how the systems put in place by the ABC in the past have been either inadequate or inconsistently applied.
The review was commissioned after Wiradjuri man Stan Grant stepped down from the ABC after accusing the business for failing to defend him from racist abuse.
The 171-page report describes system failures by ABC management over many years to support First Nations and CALD staff who have suffered covert and overt racism both within and from outside the ABC.
From 120 current and former ABC staff instances of overt and covert racism were found including racial slurs, derogatory and offensive comments, excluding staff from workplace opportunities or social events due to their cultural or linguistic background, as well as mistaking someone for a more junior person based on their racial appearance.
Union for Australian journalists Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance (MEAA) said this review is a watershed moment for the media industry that must lead to change in all workplaces.
In response to the findings, ABC managing director David Anderson apologised on behalf of the broadcaster.
"I am sorry for any and all racist behaviour and past harms experienced by our Indigenous and CALD employees, either currently or formerly employed,” Anderson said.
“We all need to do better for our colleagues on our commitment to zero tolerance for racism in our workplace. We all need to do better for our colleagues by preventing or acting on behaviour that seeks to discriminate against, bully or demean them.”
MEAA acting director Michelle Rae said the issues identified by Janke were not isolated to the ABC but are widespread across the media industry.
“All Australian media organisations are now on notice that they can no longer ignore these issues of inclusion, access and diversity,” Rae said.
“It is shameful that so many ABC staff have felt abandoned by their employer when they have suffered racism, discrimination and bias. Other media organisations cannot assume these issues are isolated to the national broadcaster.
“Media organisations no longer have any excuses to stonewall on demands from their staff to ensure their workplaces are culturally safe.
“Inclusive workplaces must be more than just a catchphrase because without real action, it is journalists and the communities they serve that suffer.
“The ABC’s experience shows that even the best of intentions will be tokenistic if accountability, transparency and clear process and training are not implemented.
“In the last 18 months MEAA members across the industry including at the ABC and Nine Publishing, have taken protected action to force better behaviours and ensure sustainable career paths for workers from diverse backgrounds. It is unacceptable that in 2024 media workers are having to take industrial action to force their employers to be transparent and accountable.
“MEAA members nationally will continue to demand companies ensure workplaces are culturally safe and provide meaningful careers for workers of all backgrounds.”
Have something to say on this? Share your views in the comments section below. Or if you have a news story or tip-off, drop us a line at adnews@yaffa.com.au
Sign up to the AdNews newsletter, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for breaking stories and campaigns throughout the day.