Source: ABC: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-12-05/mark-forbes/8093006
In a recent scandal to rock the media world, the editor-in-chief of a major Melbourne newspaper has resigned after being accused of sexual harassment.
After being appointed as editor-in-chief in April this year, the editor handed in his resignation recently, also apologising to staff for a “lapse in judgement”.
The editor’s resignation came just days after he stood down while the investigation into the allegations were undertaken.
In a letter to his staff, he apologised for letting them down and failing to uphold the standards required from the newspaper. He also apologised to the person who accused him of harassment,
He said,
“The Age demands the highest standards of behaviour from our leaders, in the community, business and politics,” he said.
“As EIC of The Age, I must uphold all the standards which we would expect in others.
“I acknowledge and accept that I have not done so.
“Whatever the circumstance, even a single lapse of judgement in upholding these standards should have serious consequences.
“Accordingly, I believe it is untenable to remain as EIC.
“I again apologise to the person concerned, and I apologise to all of you as, ultimately I have let you down.”
The editor-in-chief had a longstanding career with the company where he began in 1985 as a cadet. He has worked as a political correspondent, foreign correspondent in Indonesia and an investigative reporter. He also won a number of awards, including a Walkley for his coverage, so he was a seasoned member of the media.
Fairfax Media editorial director Sean Aylmer spoke on behalf of the company following the acceptance of the resignation,
“Mark felt that in this instance he had fallen short of the behaviour that The Age stands for,” he said in a statement.
“We acknowledge Mark’s extensive service to Fairfax spanning more than 30 years in various roles, including news director of The Age, editor of The Sunday Age, defence and foreign affairs correspondent in Canberra, as well as Indonesia correspondent.”
As this incident proves, whatever industry you are in, it is worth having a background check conducted on potential employees, for entry level positions as well as more senior positions.
While we can never guarantee that sexual harassment will not occur in the workplace, employers should be proactive and run an Australian Police Check on all potential employees and volunteers – at just $44 for employment purposes and $24 for volunteer purposes, companies cannot afford not to. See our home page, or our sister website Urban National Police Check for more info.
