An ABC Four Corners investigation uncovered multiple cases of sexism, harassment and extreme bullying at broadcaster Seven West Media.
Reporter Louise Milligan and the Four Corners team spoke to more than 200 people, including current staff who believe there is a desperate need for change at both Seven and the broader commercial television industry.
"Everyone knows TV is all smoke and mirrors, but under the surface it can be very dark," Sunrise producer Matthew McGrane said.
In some extreme cases, employees were unable to work, were hospitalised or suicidal due to the "vicious" workplace culture which was 'encouraged by some managers' one source said.
Former Seven News Reporter Olivia Babb described the company as "one of the most degrading, soul crushing places you can work in".
The program also revealed that many staff have made legal claims against the network and many past staff have been gagged with non-disclosure agreements (NDA).
Milligan tried to speak to former Seven employees who had made complaints, including being terminated while being on maternity leave, sexual harassment and some who had been let go in sudden redundancies, but couldn't speak as they were signed up to NDAs that "gagged them forever".
"NDAs mask the reality of a brutal workplace culture. In which women, particularly, are mistreated very badly and routinely," solicitor Josh Bornstein, who has multiple clients at Seven and Nine.
"This is an industry that #MeToo forgot."
#MeToo is a social movement and awareness campaign against sexual abuse, sexual harassment and rape culture started in 2006, in which people publicize their experiences of sexual abuse or sexual harassment.
"I wouldn't just call it the second chance club [for senior staff], I would call it the third, fourth and fifth chance club," former Channel Seven TV star Mark Gibson.
Shortly after the airing, Seven released a statement in response, citing that the issues were old.
"While we are clearly concerned about allegations of poor behaviour and any mistreatment of employees, a number of matters raised represent old issues that have been well aired and dealt with, in some cases many years ago," the statement said.
"A number of people who have displayed behaviour not reflective of SWM’s values have already been removed from the organisation.
"We encourage all Seven West Media team members to call out any behaviour that does not reflect our values. Whistle-blower protections are in place and are regularly re-emphasised with all staff.
"We have a great team at SWM and the actions of some individuals do not reflect the values, behaviour and attitude of the business as a whole, which is home to some of the best, hardest working and most passionate media professionals in Australia. Our focus is to build a stronger culture that enables our great people to thrive, and where unacceptable behaviour is not tolerated."
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