Nine CEO Hugh Marks has apologised for hosting a Liberal fundraiser at its TV studios.
Journalists at the media company’s newspapers wrote to Marks and managing director of publishing Chris Janz, saying the decision to host a $10,000-a-head fundraiser dinner for the Liberal Party could compromise their independence.
Following the pushback from journalists at the former Fairfax papers, group executive editor James Chessell wrote to staff saying the event was “regrettable”.
“Perception does matter, particularly when it comes to our relationship with subscribers, contacts and others who rely on our journalism,” Chessell wrote.
“In this sense the Monday function was regrettable. I note the House Committee's statement from yesterday which reflects the views of many staff worried the event could temporarily tarnish our reputation for independence.”
Chessell, who previously worked at Fairfax prior to the merger, says that while the event had no influence on the papers’ editorial decisions, Marks did concede it was a ‘mistake’.
”These concerns were conveyed by me to Nine chief executive Hugh Marks yesterday morning. He has responded by telling me it was a mistake to host the function,” he wrote.
“Hugh made the important point Nine’s primary motivation was to engage with the government on issues of importance to the newsrooms - such as press freedom and the ACCC’s inquiry into digital platforms - which is a valid argument for management to make. But he concedes it could have been handled better.”
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