ABC journalists call for head of content to step down over mismanagement of Lattouf
A unionised group of 75 ABC journalists has called for the national broadcaster’s chief content officer, Chris Oliver-Taylor, to resign from his post, claiming he mismanaged the dismissal of radio host Antionette Lattouf.
Editorial staff from the ABC met on Wednesday, and again registered a vote of no confidence in managing director David Anderson, and “all ABC managers involved in the decision to unfairly dismiss freelance broadcaster Antoinette Lattouf”.
Staffers have also called for Oliver-Taylor to “step down immediately for his role as the ultimate decision maker in the dismissal of Ms Lattouf”.
Lattouf is currently suing the ABC for unfair dismissal, as well as in Federal Court for allegedly breaching its enterprise agreement. The ABC denies it dismissed Lattouf, as it paid her for the final two shift she was contracted to host.
MEAA Media Director Cassie Derrick said: “The mishandling of Antoinette Lattouf’s employment has done enormous damage to the integrity and reputation of the ABC.
“Evidence provided in the Fair Work Commission hearing about the involvement of David Anderson and Chris Oliver-Taylor in her dismissal has further undermined the confidence of staff in the managing director and his senior managers to be able to protect the independence of the ABC.
“The Lattouf case continues a pattern of ABC journalists, particularly those from culturally diverse backgrounds, lacking support from management when they face criticism from lobby groups, business organisations and politicians.
“For these reasons, Chris Oliver-Taylor should be stood down immediately, while Mr Anderson must demonstrate he is taking the concerns of staff seriously to begin to restore confidence in his leadership.”
ABC managing director David Anderson responded to the motion, stating: “The ABC is defending the Antoinette Lattouf matter before the Fair Work Commission.
“The Commission has had the benefit of hearing the evidence of all witnesses in its entirety – not just selectively reported comments – and of hearing the legal submissions made by both parties. It is inappropriate to comment further while that decision is pending.
“I have continued confidence in Chris Oliver-Taylor to perform the role of ABC Chief Content Officer. Chris has an outstanding record as a media executive and is widely respected across the media sector.”
The full motion, as passed by the 75 MEAA members at the ABC, reads:
We, MEAA members at the ABC, are outraged by the revelations of how ABC executives have disregarded the independence of the ABC, damaged the public’s trust in our capacity to report without fear or favour, and mistreated our colleague Antoinette Lattouf.
Staff reaffirm our lack of confidence in Managing Director David Anderson, and in all ABC managers involved in the decision to unfairly dismiss Antoinette Lattouf.
Chris Oliver-Taylor has undermined the integrity of the entire ABC through his mismanagement, and should step down from his role as Head of the Content Division immediately.
We call on ABC management to stop wasting public funds on defending the unfair dismissal case against Antoinette Lattouf, provide her and the public a full apology and reinstate her to ABC airwaves.
We demand that ABC management implement staff calls for a fair and clear social media policy, robust and transparent complaints process and an audit to address the gender and race pay gap.
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Nathan Jolly is the Deputy Editor of Mumbrella. He joined the team in July, 2023.
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