‘Press Council got it wrong’: Herald Sun rejects ‘Eagles Drug Hell’ ruling
News Corp’s Herald Sun has shot back at the Australian Press Council’s reprimand that it had failed to seek comment from the West Coast Eagles over drug allegations, arguing that the ruling is “an example of the watchdog stepping outside its remit”.
In an editorial published last night, the Herald Sun said the ‘Eagles Drug Hell story’, which was published online on September 30 and ran in the newspaper on October 1, “was an important story”.
The article appeared just before the club’s appearance in the 2015 AFL Grand Final and featured claims by former player, Daniel Chick, of substance abuse while he was playing for the club.
If only the press council had actual powers to hold the media responsible for spreading disinformation / slander. They don’t even cast a slap on the wrist to parties they find guilty.
@Big Sticks – In what way has the Herald Sun spread disinformation/slander with this report? They reported the allegations of a primary source. The criticism from the Press Council related to the timing of the report and the paper’s decision not to seek comment from the club before publishing.
Big Sticks?!? You were no where near them – that comment was out-of-bounds on the full.