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ABC Online launches investigation unit

ABC News Online has created an investigation unit in a bid to boost the quality of its digital journalism, the national broadcaster’s boss Mark Scott has revealed.  

Speaking to the Melbourne Press Club, Scott said the ABC News Online Investigation Unit, led by Suzanne Smith, is designed to provide support for journalists to ensure the right “follow through” on major news breaks. He said:

But sometimes at the ABC, due to our structures, territorialities and history, our news rooms have not followed up stories broken by our current affairs programs as assiduously as they should have. Our news reporters have often had neither the understanding, contacts nor the brief to do so.

“And there have been times when those putting an ABC news bulletin together only became aware of a major story broken on an ABC current affairs program after it had gone to air – putting the ABC newsroom in the same position as any non-ABC newsroom.

“Now none of this is best practice, nor is it wise. Which is why we are already at work to correct it.

“And we have been addressing this in a dedicated manner, drawing the various strands of ABC journalism together, through a new ABC News Online Investigation Unit, led by Suzanne Smith, who did such great work for Lateline exposing problems in remote indigenous communities.

“The unit will provide support for our journalists, no matter where they are working, in pulling together investigative stories. That support might take the form of research, data analysis or simply in acting as a sounding board on the right approach.

“Then, when a story is broken, the unit may have a role in helping ensure there is the right follow-through, to maintain momentum around the story in our radio and television bulletins, online and through our current affairs programs.”

He revealed:

The unit’s first multi-media special in collaboration with Lateline, the result of many months work, will be aired in coming weeks.”

Scott also pointed to the strength of its TV properties such as Lateline and ABC News Breakfast and made reference to Sky News, which has been a staunch critic of the public broadcaster’s plans to launch a 24-hour TV channel.

He said:

As I have said in all my time at the ABC – and before that – I admire the achievements of Sky. ABC News Breakfast was created not to drive Sky News out – if that happens, nobody wins. But we have added to audience choices if they have pay TV and have added something distinctive for everyone on television, whether they fork out directly for pay TV or not.

Competition makes us all sharper.

At the ABC we don’t aspire to be a monopoly provider of anything. Our Charter obliges us to be innovative and comprehensive while mindful of what is being offered by other broadcasters.”

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