News October 7, 2021

‘Fear and intimidation’: Four Corners to reveal the inside story of Sony Music

Editorial Operations Manager

The ABC’s Four Corners will screen a special investigation into the culture at Sony Music Australia on Monday, October 11.

The episode will focus on the reign of former CEO Denis Handlin and the “fear and intimidation” that “stalked the corridors for decades”, the national broadcaster said.

Former employees are breaking their silence on the episode, the ABC said, “to expose what they endured for so many years”.

“There is nothing glamorous about the picture that emerges of this music-making machine, where appalling behaviour was normalised and covered up,” publicity for Monday’s episode said.

Promo for the show features quotes from former Sony Music employees who will feature on the episode, including one who said: “I felt targeted, I felt manipulated, and I certainly felt abused. There’s only so much you can put up with.”

Another former Sony Music executive said the myth that New York HQ only recently found out about the Australian operation’s toxic culture needs to be challenged.

The ABC noted that the issue likely doesn’t end with Handlin.

“Many who worked in this toxic environment say those who allowed this to go on should also be held to account,” it said.

‘Facing the Music’ on Four Corners is reported by Grace Tobin and will screen first on the ABC at 8:30pm on Monday, 11 October.

It will then have various replays and be available online at ABC iView.