Justin Milne rejects calls for him to resign as ABC chairman
The embattled chairman of the ABC, Justin Milne, has told ABC News in a text message exchange he intends to stay put.
Media personalities, ABC staffers and the media union – the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA) – have been increasing their calls for Milne to step down after it was reported he put pressure on now ousted managing director Michelle Guthrie to fire ABC journalist Emma Alberici.
Milne: Staying put
In the absence of any proper explanation from Milne re the decision to sack Guthrie, and in light of what has now emerged, it’s entirely possible the real reason she went is because she refused to bend to his unwarranted and improper interference in day to day running of the ABC.
Justin Milne’s rationale for sacking her was that there were concerns about her “style”. Translated: she failed to capitulate to his entirely improper (in his role) commands. Live he sword, die by the sword, Justin.
Milne appears to have imposed a business decision on management, if the large data base project was conceived and managed in the way portrayed.
Milne appears to have attempted to impose staff decisions on management and in one case justified it in writing by attribution to the Government.
These, unfortunately, are acts of over reach that too many chairs indulge themselves with.
The ABC needs a board and CEO who understand the modern media consumer. There is no evidence that they do and much to suggest that they believe it’s all about organisation change and big tech. In my opinion, this is the heart of the matter and it goes back to the Government and its inept oversight.
Hhmmm
As mentioned in the other Mumbrella “Milne” article – resign please Justin. No room anymore for ego-centric, bullying management styles – times up, see ya!
Omens.
I was working on TDT in 1972 when the Government of the day – led by Bill McMahon – sacked the EP.
TDT had been critical of Mr McMahon’s government and Mr McMahon couldn’t tolerate criticism. So, pressure was brought to bear and the ABC Board blinked.
This was just before Labor led by E. G. Whitlam swept into power, ending the Libs’ long run.
I’m hoping the omen portends a similar new broom.