APRA AMCOS & ARIA Issue Statements Following ABC's Sony Australia Investigation

Two leading industry organisations have issued statements following ABC's investigation into Sony Music Entertainment Australia. 

APRA AMCOS and ARIA have both shared statements after the Four Corners report which aired last night and looked into "decades of systemic bullying, discrimination and misconduct at the company" under the leadership of Denis Handlin, former Chairman and CEO of Sony Music Entertainment Australia and New Zealand, which has been described as a "toxic regime". 

Read the full summary of the program here.

APRA AMCOS have released a statement in response to the program today. The statement does not directly address Handlin but does reference "award recipients". 

Handlin was awarded the Ted Albert Award for Outstanding Services to Australian Music by the organisation in 2009. See the statement below.

APRA AMCOS Statement

Last night’s program was distressing and disheartening viewing. APRA AMCOS wants to be part of a music industry that upholds a high level of professional respect, conduct and integrity, and does not condone any form of discrimination, harassment or bullying. We recognise and accept there’s still much work to do in this space. 

APRA AMCOS recently committed to an Equity Action Plan that follows on from our firm belief that broad representation is the key to a safer and more inclusive and respectful music industry. This work has never been more urgent or necessary. 

Bullying and sexual harassment in the music industry is not inevitable, it is not acceptable. It is preventable and APRA AMCOS is committed to working with our industry so that we can collectively bring about this shift in culture. 

We are currently undertaking a review of our Sexual Harassment & Harm Prevention Framework to ensure all parties involved with APRA AMCOS - including award recipients - respect others, act lawfully, safely and responsibly. 

Allegations such as those made in Four Corners last night are being considered seriously as part of this review.

READ MORE: 'Four Corners' Report Details 'Systemic Bullying & Misconduct' Within Sony Music Australia

ARIA (Australian Recording Industry Association), where Handlin was a board member and served as chair prior to his exit from Sony, has also issued a statement following the report last night. 

It does not directly address Handlin or the Four Corners report. 

ARIA Statement

No one should feel unsafe, harassed, discriminated against, or bullied in the workplace. 

ARIA will continue to work towards safety, inclusion and equality across the music industry including through the cultural change process that was started in May this year. 

We will listen to the voices that need to be heard and provide our wholehearted support every step of the way.

Sony Music Entertainment Australia, as well as the New York head office, are yet to publicly respond following the airing of the Four Corners investigation.