Television reporter Airlie Walsh has reached a confidential settlement in her Federal Court sex discrimination claim against media group Nine Network.
Details have not been released.
Walsh joined Nine in 2008 and worked on the Today program, in the Canberra Press Gallery and in the Sydney newsroom.
She filed a sex discrimination complaint last year in the Federal Court.
A number of women came forward to speak on the culture of commercial newsrooms across in Australia.
An independent review of Nine found that the group has a systemic issue with abuse of power and authority; bullying, discrimination and harassment; and sexual harassment.
The review came after sexual harassment allegations around the network’s former head of news and current affairs, Darren Wick.
“After 15 years with Nine Entertainment, in October 2023 I made the difficult decision to engage lawyers and try to right a number of wrongs,” Walsh said.
“During this time, more women bravely came forward, Nine conducted a culture review, and many of my broadcast colleagues contributed their experiences. In doing so, I was buoyed. It turns out, courage IS contagious.
“While this isn’t the way I wanted to leave Nine, I’m filled with gratitude towards those who made me a better journalist and person, and I’m relieved the legal process has been resolved.
"For now, I won’t be making any further statements. My focus is on healing.”
Maurice Blackburn Principal Josh Bornstein, who represented Airlie Walsh, welcomed the settlement.
“Airlie’s decision to pursue this case took a lot of courage. It also both spurred other women to take action and Nine to institute major change,” Bornstein said.
“I hope that the settlement of this important case is a further catalyst for the commercial news media to clean up its act. It is well overdue.”
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