Mediaweek Publisher Steps Aside Following Allegations of Inappropriate Behaviour

The publisher of Mediaweek is stepping aside following published allegations of inappropriate conduct and harassment in the workplace.

Trent Thomas, the 31-year-old managing director and publisher of Mediaweek, is the focus of an exposé published by the Australian Financial Review, whose writer Sam Buckingham-Jones spoke with “multiple people” close to the trade title.

According to the AFR, the executive’s behaviour resulted in formal complaints made by two staff, and separate internal investigations — the first of those apparently scrapped before the findings were revealed.

“In light of recent coverage,” reads a statement issued Monday afternoon, “and the awareness of the impact this coverage will have on Mediaweek’s employees, audience, clients and partners, Trent Thomas, managing director and publisher has elected to step back from his role to ensure that the business can continue its commitment to delivering a brand based on a foundation of quality and respected content for our audiences, clients and partners.”

Going forward, the business will continue to be led with its senior leadership team of Sarah Chapman, general manager; Kellie Brown, digital and marketing director; Andrew Mulready, chief revenue director; and James Manning, editor-in-chief.

Published under the headline, “Mediaweek rocked by sexual harassment allegations,” the AFR documents an environment of inappropriate conversations, creating a “hostile workplace environment,” and the revealing of “deeply personal information” about some staff members in the presence of others, based on conversations with insiders.

The investigation claims that, earlier in the year, an external HR consultant contracted to Mediaweek had begun looking into allegations of Thomas’ behaviour by confidentially interviewing employees and investigating specific incidents of alleged misbehaviour.

However, claims the report, when the consultant was close to finalising its investigation, Thomas is said to have cut ties with the business, and hired another, which conducted its formal investigation within a fortnight, and issued a new human resources handbook.

The Music Network has reached out for comment.

Mediaweek is said to be the leading media trade publication in these parts. The title was founded in 1990 by Philip Luker, and was acquired in 1999 by James Manning, who continues to lead the title as editor-in-chief. Its website currently lists 13 staff, plus five contributors.

Australia’s media space has been rocked by a string of #MeToo scandals, following a wave of investigations – and sackings – within the music industry’s ranks.

The movement reached a flashpoint in 2021 with the publication of Dr. Jeff Crabtree’s study, Tunesmiths and Toxicity: Workplace Harassment in the Contemporary Music Industries of Australia and New Zealand, which found workplace bullying and sexual harassment is extensive, and is typically perpetrated by patrons, peers and power figures.

The following year, on Sept. 1, 2022, the release of Raising Their Voices, the long-awaited review into sexual harm, harassment, and systemic discrimination across the contemporary music industry. And with it, a 17-point set of recommendations. The first of those was immediately actioned — a “Statement of Acknowledgment” from industry leaders, including artists.

Read Mediaweek’s statement in full.

In light of recent coverage, and the awareness of the impact this coverage will have on Mediaweek’s employees, audience, clients and partners, Trent Thomas, managing director and publisher has elected to step back from his role to ensure that the business can continue its commitment to delivering a brand based on a foundation of quality and respected content for our audiences, clients and partners.

The business will continue to be led with its Senior Leadership team, Sarah Chapman, General Manager, Kellie Brown, Digital and Marketing Director, Andrew Mulready, Chief Revenue Director and James Manning, Editor-In-Chief and is committed to demonstrating and supporting the rights of all their employees. Furthermore, Mediaweek remains committed to providing a brand safe environment for all our partners; as well as continuing to provide best in class advertising, content, media and event solutions.

Mediaweek acknowledges the rights of all workers to raise any type of workplace concerns and is committed to receiving all concerns with a person-centred and trauma informed approach providing a safe workplace for everyone that defines appropriate conduct and best practices.

Over the last eight weeks Mediaweek demonstrated our commitment to safe work practices by engaging independent HR consultants to investigate, support and address concerns brought forth by two employees. The outcome of this investigation propelled our business to swiftly implement an industry leading prevention and response plan, HR training and robust HR guidelines and policies to take proactive and meaningful action to eliminate relevant unlawful conduct in the workplace.