Nine news boss steps down after saying she was going to get 'drunk' at the Logies before firing off wild 'inappropriate' X-rated message about Jimmy Barnes

Daily Mail​

11 hours ago

A Channel Nine boss has taken personal leave after coming under fire for her 'inappropriate' social media posts at the Logie Awards last weekend.
A Current Affair's executive producer Amy McCarthy left many scratching their heads after posting several questionable comments to Facebook at the annual event.
On Monday, staff at ACA were informed that McCarthy had made the decision to take time off work, The Australian reported.
In one questionable post, McCarthy told her followers she had just arrived at the Logie Awards and 'could get drunk now'.
'I can get drunk now. You thought you'd been spammed before!! Standby!' she said.
McCarthy later added: 'Luckily my phone died before any evidence could be recorded.'
On Monday, staff at the news program were informed that McCarthy has made the decision to take time off work after firing off an 'inappropriate' X-rated message about Jimmy Barnes
She also uploaded an image of Jimmy Barnes performing at the awards ceremony along with a suggestive comment, writing: 'deserves a spot on the grid! #wouldstilldohim'.
One Channel Nine insider told The Australian, McCarthy's comments have sparked outrage and are 'out of step with Nine's drawn-out cultural review'.
'Imagine if a male news boss had made comments like that about a female singer like Delta Goodrem — it's totally inappropriate,' they said.
It comes just months after Channel Nine reportedly cracked down on staffers after dropping the axe on Today presenter Alex Cullen.
Cullen, 44, lost his job at the station in January after accepting $50,000 from Block bidder Adrian 'Mr Lambo' Portelli.
The network followed the shocking news with a reminder to all employees about their 'professional obligations'.
Nine's director of news and current affairs, Fiona Dear, sent the message via email to all staff.
In the note to staff, which was sighted by Daily Mail Australia, the network boss wanted to remind 'broadcast journalists and on-air talent' that their conduct was 'vital' to maintaining trust with the viewing public.
'Accordingly, we acknowledge that commercial arrangements, sponsorships and endorsements exist at most media companies, including Nine,' Dear said in the email.
'In line with our professional obligations, as well as Nine's legal and regulatory obligations, these arrangements are permitted in certain circumstances, provided the appropriate disclosure occurs and that they are conducted in accordance with Nine's policies and procedures.'
Dear also wrote that all staffers were obliged to conduct themselves along professional and ethical guidelines as set out by the Commercial Television Industry Code of Practice, and Nine's Social Media Guidelines and Gift Policy.
'All Nine Group employees are required to adhere to these policies and remain up to date with any developments,' she wrote.
Dear also added: 'And of course, the MEAA Journalist Code of Ethics, which applies to journalist members of the MEAA, also serves as a useful reminder of the professional standards for which journalists strive.'