Journalists at Nine Publishing, including union members covering the Paris Olympics, have initiated a five-day strike starting Friday due to disagreements over pay and conditions, coinciding with the opening weekend of the games.

The Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA) is advocating for a larger pay rise, diversity pay audit, quotas, and protection against AI use.

Former NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian is awaiting a court ruling on the validity of corruption findings by the anti-corruption watchdog.

Media companies like News Corp Australia are reducing headcount due to advertising conditions and revenue loss from social media giant Meta.

MEAA Media director criticized Nine's pay offer for not adequately addressing living costs and other journalist claims.

Nine announced cutting about 200 roles across the business, leading to union members passing a no-confidence motion in Nine's CEO.

Nine views its proposal as fair and urges a return to negotiations to resolve the enterprise bargaining agreement.

Tensions over a pay dispute and details of a recent redundancy round shared by an executive editor prompted the strike.

The Media union emphasizes that journalists are standing up for ethical journalism and fair wages.

News Corp Australia staff agreed to a 3.5% pay increase, while Guardian Australia staff were offered a 4% raise.

Rallies are planned outside Nine's offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth, with protests expected across the country, including at WA Today's offices.

The improved pay offer included a 3.5/4/3 per cent split across a three-year deal, closer to the rate of inflation.

Frustrations among staff were exacerbated by CEO Mike Sneesby carrying the Olympic torch and cost-cutting measures like flying The Block host Scott Cam to France.