Communications minister Mitch Fifield denies involvement in ABC leadership debacle
The minister for communications and the arts, Mitch Fifield, has issued a statement denying he has been in any way involved in recent upheaval at national broadcaster, the ABC.
Fifield said he has raised factual errors coming out of the media outlet “from time to time”, but stressed that its operations “are entirely matters for the board and management of the ABC”. His statements come amidst calls for current chairman of the ABC, Justin Milne, to resign.
Fifield: I have never involved myself in the ABC
The ABC chairman is appointed by the government of the day, with previous occupant James Spiegelman beginning his five-year tenure under Prime Minister Julia Gillard.
James Spiegelman was replaced by Justin Milne, who was installed by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, in April last year.
The ABC is now in the midst of a leadership crisis, after managing director Michelle Guthrie, was abruptly fired by the board on Monday.
Guthrie had been appointed by previous chairman Spigelman in 2015.
Milne is now also facing calls for his resignation, as more details about his feud with Guthrie and his conduct emerge.
The Sydney Morning Herald has revealed Milne tried to pressure Guthrie to “get rid of” journalist Emma Alberici after controversy surrounding inaccuracies in her reporting of proposed company tax cuts.
High-profile media personalities, including Mike Carlton and Andrew Bolt, and the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA), have subsequently questioned Milne’s understanding of editorial independence and whether he is fit to continue to lead the broadcaster.
MEAA said the reports about Milne’s attempted involvement in staffing issues were “deeply disturbing”.
“They would indicate Mr Milne has no understanding of editorial independence, proper complaints handling processes, or the appropriate distance a board chair needs to keep from staffing matters,” the MEAA said.
“If true, Mr Milne should resign immediately.”
Questions have also been asked about the involvement of government ministers in the ABC, and how much pressure they can mount on the broadcaster and its chairman to effect change.
Fifield has today attempted to quash the speculation, releasing the following statement:
“From time to time, I have raised factual errors in ABC reporting, but have always respected the legislated operational and editorial independence of the ABC.
“I have never involved myself in staffing matters, nor am I aware of any member of the government who has sought to do so.
“The operations of the ABC are entirely matters for the board and management of the ABC, which, by law, the Minister does not have a role in.
“Questions about the ABC’s board and management are matters for the ABC.”
Frankly I’d be amazed if any formal communications down the chain exist, or can be corroborated. The ABC board was stacked enough with people of like mind, only hints are needed.
I don’t believe any direct pressure was necessary. Cheerleading from the sidelines (rid yourself of that mental image of Murdoch doing the splits with pom-poms) was adequate.
I dislike the outcome. I dislike the government, and the RWNJ but I think this is one time we’re probably digging for dirt which isn’t there.
User ID not verified.
Fifield is up to his neck in this. If only because he is Minister and he made the key appointments. Not to mention his own whining about the ABC.
What government needs to do is choose a board that knows something about the ABC. Not these half baked mates and electoral box ticks.
This debacle is exactly as predicted by many who know the ABC and who know Milne.
User ID not verified.
Who would have thought a politician repeatedly complaining about an organisation the public trusts more than politicians could end up being a bad idea?
User ID not verified.
What Fifield et al must grapple with is the fact that, through their own activities, politicians (especially from his party) are not trusted by Australians.
We need not go far back to see a cavalcade of lies and deceit – even inside the House from Dutton, Morrison, Joyce, Abbott.
And not even a slap on the wrist.
Moreover, most Aussies don’t trust Big Media (would you buy a used Prime Minister from Rupert?).
Turnbull gave Murdoch more money last year than the ABC cost.
“This evening’s ABC News brought to you by Sportsbet”
User ID not verified.