Sky News host Samantha Maiden has been stood down pending an internal investigation.
The TV presenter and former News Corp political editor was told to take leave late last week and has not been on-air since. It is understood Sky is investigating multiple workplace complaints made against the veteran journalist.
The disciplinary action was first reported by Melbourne radio station 3AW's Peter Ford who claimed complaints related to Maiden's "attitude and dealing with colleagues".
"I'm told the issue came to a head last Friday, a blow-up between her and other staff members in the Canberra bureau," he said. "It's a small bureau, everybody's expected to pitch in.
"But Samantha doesn't think she should have to do certain things, as it's been relayed to me. I might add this has nothing to do with alcohol. But yes, her future is a little unclear. She's certainly not been fired – it's up to HR and management [to decide] what happens next."
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Maiden pleaded guilty to a drink-driving charge and two charges of not obeying police in 2016. Prosecutors alleged she drove on the wrong side of the road and did not stop when they activated their warning lights.
Samantha Maiden hasn't appeared on Sky News since last week.
Photo: Sky News Australia
Maiden was given a 12-month good behaviour bond and was disqualified from driving for seven months. She was also slapped with two $500 fines.
Earlier that year, Immigration Minister Peter Dutton accidentally sent Maiden a text labelling her a "mad f—— witch". The message was meant for his then-parliamentary colleague and former South Australian MP Jamie Briggs.
She said she wasn't offended by the text and hoped Dutton wouldn't be disciplined for his mistake.
The former News Corp journalist has broken countless political exclusives throughout her career and once predicted "the karma bus is coming" for former treasurer Joe Hockey before he resigned from parliament.
Representatives for Sky News and the broadcaster's owner News Corp refused to comment.
"We do not comment on internal staff matters," a spokeswoman said.
Maiden has been contacted for comment.
Broede Carmody is an entertainment reporter at Fairfax Media.
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