Australian media outlet Nine Network has appointed Fiona Dear as its new director of news and current affairs, replacing dismissed news director Darren Wick over his alleged sexual harassment of female staff.

TV Tonight reported that Dear was the executive producer of Nine's news documentary program "A Current Affair" before her promotion. 

Nine's director of television, Michael Healy, said Dear is "an outstanding person" who has worked across all of the network's broadcast operations. 

Nine Network Boss Urges Staff to Call Out 'Inappropriate Behavior'

Meanwhile, the Daily Mail reported that Dear's appointment was made after Nine CEO Mike Sneesby told staff through an email dated Wednesday (May 22) who may have complaints of "inappropriate behavior" by colleagues to come forward.

Wick announced his resignation from the network last March after weeks of speculation about his future on the network when Nine said he was merely taking an extended break. 

Prior to this, Wick was caught drunk driving after a corporate party in October 2020, which led him to confess that he had alcoholism. 

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Toxic Work Environment

Meanwhile, Sky News Australia reported that Nine Network has been accused of covering up allegations that Wick behaved inappropriately towards women during his tenure as its news chief. 

One of the particular incidents some talents recalled was when Wick allegedly made advances on some female colleagues in a Logie Awards afterparty on the Gold Coast in Queensland in 2019.

A representative from Nine told other Australian media outlets that they would decline to comment on the allegations surrounding Wick.

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