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Sony Music To Be Investigated By 'Four Corners' In Special Next Week

Staff Writer

The special report will air this coming Monday.

ABC investigative news and current affairs program Four Corners will air a new special next Monday that takes a deep look into the scandals currently rocking Sony Music Entertainment Australia that arose during the leadership of their former CEO Denis Handlin.

Presented by reporter Grace Tobin, Facing The Music - The Sony Music Scandal will see a number of Sony Music employees speak out about the numerous issues and allegations surrounding the company and a number of their former staff. 

Handlin departed Sony in June of this year with an announcement from Chairman, Sony Music Group CEO, Sony Music Entertainment Rob Stringer writing to staff to say "I am writing to let you know that Denis Handlin will be leaving Sony Music Entertainment after more than 50 years with the Company, effective immediately." 

In the weeks that followed Handlin's departure, senior executives Pat Handlin and Mark Stebnicki also exited the business. 

Industry members from within the company will talk about their time within the walls of Sony Music, spanning 40+ years of internal issues that reportedly include bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct. 

While these incidents allegedly occurred while Handlin was the leading the Australian business, no allegations have been levelled at him, Pat Handlin or Stebnicki.

"There was a sense that he was untouchable," one employee said of Handlin's time as CEO. 

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“I think a lot of people feel fear when they hear that name,” another is quoted as saying.

The company has also been the subject of the podcast series Everybody Knows, which last month shared the the first and - at the time of writing - only public comment from Handlin on the allegations against his former company and staff.

"With issues of sexual misconduct, I always took immediate action, in accordance with the law and best practice in the interests of those involved in such traumatic and disturbing events," he said in a written comment.

"It’s not appropriate for me to say anything further as most of these matters remain confidential to ensure the personal wellbeing of those involved."

Four Corners: Facing The Music - The Sony Music Scandal will air 8.30pm on Monday, 11 October. See below for the first trailer of the feature.