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
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.
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.
Who would have thought a politician repeatedly complaining about an organisation the public trusts more than politicians could end up being a bad idea?
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.
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