Popular ABC radio host Richard Stubbs has apologised and expressed “deep regret” for bullying behaviour which upset his colleagues.
However, ABC management has confirmed the 774 Melbourne presenter has kept his job and will return to the local radio station after scheduled leave.
News Corp newspapers reported on Thursday that Stubbs had been accused of bullying by several female staff members and had apologised in person to a group of colleagues.
Stubbs is a veteran stand-up comedian and a TV host and has had a long career in radio – both in commercial radio and on the public broadcaster. He was a regular on Nine’s now defunct variety show Hey Hey It’s Saturday as well as its occasional host.
He has hosted the ABC’s local afternoon show in Melbourne for almost a decade.
A spokesman for the ABC said 774 management believed the workplace issues had been resolved.
“ABC management was made aware of workplace issues regarding Richard Stubbs and undertook an enquiry with concerned staff,” a spokesman said.
“The ABC is satisfied the matter has been resolved appropriately and acknowledges Mr Stubbs’s deep regret for any distress caused to his colleagues.
“He is on scheduled leave and will return in 2015 and is looking forward to a positive year with the team at 774.”
On the station’s website Stubbs’ show is described as “cutting wit and clever delivery makes for rapid-fire entertainment”.
Claims of bullying in radio stations are not new but the headlines don’t usually involve the ABC.
In Sydney, commercial radio shock jock Ray Hadley settled a bullying claim with his station’s website manager last year for an undisclosed sum.
Hadley, a star broadcaster on 2GB, was described as a “psychotic bully” by his own boss, in evidence before the NSW district court.
