The departure of journalist Emma Alberici from the national broadcaster is the latest example of the ABC being unable or unwilling to push back against hostile governments.
The committee says it was not until Guthrie’s now famous dossier about Milne’s alleged interference came out in the Fairfax press that the rest of the board woke up to what had been going on.
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A Senate inquiry report has found that while the broadcaster’s board was aware of the deteriorating relationship between the chair and managing director, it did not make any further inquiries.
Both Labor and Coalition governments have had run-ins with the ABC.
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The national broadcaster has had a tumultuous history, targeted by both major parties at various times. No matter who takes office after the 2019 election, the ABC can never rest easy.
Tabling the report, Fifield revealed Milne had told him on September.
12 that the board did not believe Guthrie was best placed to lead the
organisation, and that he would be telling her that next day.
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Mrdak, who interviewed both Milne and Guthrie, said they had no doubt the government was “very concerned at the issues of opinion and accuracy and editorial standards raised” in the several pieces.
It has been a turbulent week for the ABC, with questions still to be answered, particularly by the board.
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After a dramatic week at the ABC that sees them without a permanent managing director nor a chair, there remain serious questions about government interference and the broadcaster’s independence.
Justin Milne, returning to his home in Sydney after resigning from his post as chairman of ABC.
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The ABC chairman’s resignation provides some resolution to the crisis, but a discussion is sorely needed about other threats to the broadcaster’s independence.
Before Milne’s announcement Communications Minister Mitch Fifield.
conspicuously failed to back him when addressing reporters.
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According to the report, Milne had said that if Guthrie didn’t fire Probyn, she would be jeopardising half a billion dollars in funding for the proposed Jetstream infrastructure project.
Reports this week revealed that ABC Chairman Justin Milne called for a journalist to be fired after receiving complaints from the government.
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Peter Fray, University of Technology Sydney and Derek Wilding, University of Technology Sydney
The ABC Act clearly states the board is duty-bound to ‘maintain the independence and integrity’ of the broadcaster. Milne’s actions appear to have compromised both values.
In a text message exchange with ABC radio presenter Rafael Epstein, Mr Milne said “yes” when asked if he intended to remain in the role.
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The ABC affair – which began with the sacking of Guthrie - spun out of control on Wednesday, following the leaking to Fairfax Media of a highly damaging email, showing Milne’s editorial interference.
Michelle Guthrie has been criticised for not standing up for the organisation sufficiently, and for her lack of journalistic experience.
AAP/Julian Smith
In a blunt statement, the ABC board has announced the end of Guthrie’s tenure as managing director, declaring it was “not in the best interests” of the organisation for her to continue leading it.