Age editor-in-chief quits after sexual harassment complaint

The editor-in-chief of The Age has resigned as Fairfax Media investigates allegations of sexual harassment against him.

Mark Forbes is expected to release a statement soon, The Age said on its website.

Fairfax said on Friday Mr Forbes had been stood down pending the outcome of an investigation into the allegations.

The editor-in-chief is being investigated after a young female reporter complained that Mr Forbes allegedly groped her on the bottom at the Age Music Victoria awards last month.

His departure comes after a second woman came forward with claims he made unwanted sexual advances during a separate incident, The Australian reports.

Staff in the Melbourne newsroom were advised of the announcement by Fairfax's group director of news and business media, Sean Aylmer, The Age reports.

Mr Aylmer described an ongoing investigation since Fairfax was first made aware the allegations two weeks ago as "unsavoury" and "disappointing".

"It can make you angry."

Mr Forbes was appointed as editor-in-chief in April after being with the company since 1985.

A company spokesperson issued a statement on Friday saying "Fairfax is committed to a safe workplace and has zero tolerance for any behaviour that does not meet the highest standards".

Age editor Alex Lavelle will assume Mr Forbes' responsibilities in the interim.

With AAP