MediaWorks controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2021
MediaWorks review identifies workplace culture issues
Issue disclosure
A review at MediaWorks identified instances of bullying, sexism, harassment, inappropriate relationships and illegal drug use; its findings also included allegations of sexual assault and criticism that complaints had not been dealt with adequately.
Source excerpt
The MediaWorks review by Maria Dew QC identified instances of bullying, sexism, harassment, inappropriate relationships and use of illegal drugs.
In her findings, Dew said six participants raised allegations of sexual assault - four from the three-year period covered by the review, and two from outside that time period.
2020
Broadcasting Standards Authority fines MediaWorks over interview
Fine or penalty
In December 2020, the Broadcasting Standards Authority fined MediaWorks $3,000 over an interview. The authority found that the interview breached discrimination and denigration standards and that it amplified negative Māori stereotypes. The decision concerned the broadcast interview as assessed under those standards, and the fine was imposed on MediaWorks as the broadcaster involved.
Source excerpt
The Broadcasting Standards Authority has found an interview by Sean Plunket with Te Whānau-ā-Apanui spokesperson and Ōpōtiki District Councillor Louis Rapihana breached discrimination and denigration standards, amplified negative Māori stereotypes and had the potential to cause widespread harm.
MediaWorks has been fined $3000 for promoting negative Māori stereotypes when interviewing an iwi leader on Te Whānau-ā-Apanui's Covid-19 roadblocks.
1993
Leadership disruption at Kadokawa Shoten
The arrest of Kadokawa Shoten president Haruki Kadokawa for cocaine smuggling resulted in a leadership change at the parent publishing company. This was a Kadokawa Shoten matter rather than a reported misconduct case involving MediaWorks itself, but it affected the wider corporate context in which MediaWorks operated.