‘The ABC should back its own employees’: Broadcaster slammed for Antoinette Lattouf sacking
The Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA) has responded to the disciplinary action taken out by the ABC against journalist Antoinette Lattouf, describing the sacking as “disturbing”.
“Australians expect and deserve an ABC that is home to a range of ideas and opinions reflective of the diversity of Australian society,” said Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance acting chief executive, Adam Portelli.
“The ABC should be backing its own employees when they come under attack.
“It is also disturbing if –- as has been reported today –- the ABC chairperson or other board members are dictating staffing decisions in breach of editorial independence.”
In a post to Instagram the Executive Council of Australian Jewry shared multiple complaints had been sent to ABC chair Ita Buttrose and managing director David Anderson, with the organisation’s co-CEO Alex Ryvchin welcoming the ABC’s decision.
The ABC’s union house committee raised that colleague from diverse backgrounds are often disproportionately the target of attacks from the public, and often feel unsupported from ABC management and the Board.
“To our culturally and linguistically diverse colleagues: you are not alone, we have your back.”
Lattouf, who is a Lebanese Australian, has been the subject of criticism by News Corp and the pro-Israel lobby for her reporting on the situation in Gaza.
She had been filling in on ABC Sydney breakfast radio for Sarah Macdonald this week, but on Wednesday was informed she would not be returning to air after sharing pro-Palestine content on her social media account.
The ABC confirmed Lattouf would not be “back on air for her remaining two shifts this week”.
Expressing her disappointment in the decision on social media, Lattouf issued that she felt she had been “terminated unlawfully” and would be considering her legal options.
“This is not a win for journalism or critical, fair thinking,” she wrote.
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