Another cracker of an ABC response
By Michael Smith
Our reader wrote to the ABC pointing out that the ABC was not reporting on the Prime
Minister's actual involvement in The AWU Scandal. The writer said that the ABC was
shielding the PM from scrutiny and that it ought be more balanced and report on those
matters that pointed to the PM's involvement, like the Power of Attorney or the
misleading application to the WA Corporate Affairs Commissioner.
Given that was the nature of the complaint, check out the 3 articles that the ABC
throws up to show that they're covering the story!
Sent: Friday, 16 November 2012 3:12 PM
To:
Subject: ABC - censorship regarding Julia Gillard involvement in the AWU Scandal
Dear Mr
Thank you for your email.
We understand that you are concerned about the lack of coverage of the Julia Gillard's
involvement in the AWU scandal due to pro-ALP bias by the ABC.
In accordance with the ABC's complaint handling procedures, your correspondence
has been referred to Audience & Consumer Affairs, a unit which is separate to and
independent of program making areas within the ABC. The role of Audience &
Consumer Affairs is to investigate complaints alleging that ABC content has breached
the ABC's editorial standards.
For your reference, the ABC editorial standards can be found in the ABC Code of
Practice which is available here:
http://www.abc.net.au/corp/pubs/documents/codeofpractice2011.pdf . In particular, I
draw your attention to the editorial standards set out in Part IV section 4 headed
"Impartiality and a diversity of perspectives", which acknowledges that judgements
about whether impartiality was achieved in any given circumstance can vary among
individuals and sets out the hallmarks which guide the ABC's assessment of
impartiality. Over time, the ABC aims to present content that addresses a broad
range of subjects from a diversity of perspectives. The Code notes, however, that a
commitment to impartiality does not require that every perspectives receives equal
time, nor that every facet of every argument is presented.
Audience and Consumer Affairs is unable to provide a substantive response to
complaints of a general nature. However if you believe that content has breached any
of the ABC's editorial standards you are welcome to provide further details. It would
assist us greatly if you could provide specific examples which support your claims,
including the program name and date of broadcast, along with reference to the
particular standards you believe were breached; and we would be happy to consider
your concerns. Please feel free to respond by return email.
In regard to ABC coverage about allegations of impropriety aimed at PM Julia Gillard,
a sample of three recent reports on this issue follow:
In any event, please be assured that the ABC values your comments which have been
noted and conveyed to ABC News management, so that they are aware of your view
on this issue.
Thank you again for writing to the ABC.
Yours sincerely
Anna Uszko
ABC Audience and Consumer Affairs
Another cracker of an ABC response - Michael Smith News:
Wow, the abc have really gone to town on the reporting of this criminal activity. I guess it is not as criminal as Tony Abbott punching a wall 35 years ago.
ReplyDeleteThat is the biggest load of bungkum I have ever read. Bet she had something to do with it probably gave them a serve and blackmailed them into surrendering to her point of view.
ReplyDeleteCan you tell me what laws has Tony Abbott ever broken eh? But reporting that he punched a wall 35 years ago is more important that the AWU scandal and her involvement is less important. Get your priorities right Scandal or punching a wall 35 years ago. I watched a footy match and the Hawthorn coach he punched a wall also so thats more newsworthy than a Scandal.