Margo Kingston

Margo Kingston

Co-publisher and editor-in-chief at No Fibs
Margo Kingston is a retired Australian journalist and climate change activist. She is best known for her stint as Phillip Adams’ ‘Canberra Babylon’ contributor and her work at The Sydney Morning Herald and #Webdiary. Since 2012, Kingston has been a citizen journalist, reporting and commenting on Australian politics via Twitter and No Fibs.
Margo Kingston

by Margo Kingston
February 5th, 2013

917024-sa-treasurer-kevin-foley

Former South Australian deputy premier Kevin Foley

An ABC deep throat has provided AFHP with the following statement:

In December 2011 the ABC was found by the ACMA to have breached the impartiality codes of the ABC Code of Practice.

The broadcast session involved was an interview with former SA Deputy Premier, Kevin Foley (Labor), on the breakfast timeslot of ABC Local Radio Adelaide.

The ACMA found:

…that the presenters displayed fixed prejudgment on the topics discussed, asked loaded questions and used disparaging language.

http://www.acma.gov.au/WEB/STANDARD/pc=PC_410263

The ABC released a statement saying:

“The ABC acknowledges the ACMA’s ruling following a lengthy and highlycomplex investigation

“The ABC has vigorously defended the broadcast throughout the ACMA’s deliberations and is surprised at the outcome.

[…]

“Our interpretation of the ABC’s Code of Practice in this instance differs from that of ACMA, and we continue to disagree

“Matthew Abraham and David Bevan are experienced broadcasters, with a reputation for asking tough questions in a robust political environment.

“This approach will continue in line with the ABC’s editorial policies.”

Adelaide Now: ABC radio presenters Matthew Abraham and David Bevan found guilty of bias


Now, isn’t that all Jon Faine did: “[ask] tough questions in a robust political environment”?

Seems a double-standard from the ABC.

Former Shockjock Mike Smith

Former Shockjock Mike Smith

I note that in 2011 the ABC released a statement and reported the ACMA finding
(Watchdog rules Foley interview not impartial’)

This year, the ABC issued no statement, did not report the matter and, as revealed by Peter Clarke in ‘Who is wearing the Kafka mask at the ABC?’ has refused to release its reasons for reprimanding Faine and apologising to complainants. I have referred this material to Peter Clarke for analysis.


Footnote:  Mark Scott has yet to reply to my letter about Jon Faine .


Further references for 2011 case

Matthew Abraham and David Bevan Interview

ACMA – ABC Radio investigation Report 2582

ACMA finds 891 ABC lacked impartiality

ABC Friends criticise 891 over bias

Media watchers turn on ABC

First ABC impartiality breach since 2004

Smartarse journos leave democracy better off, not worse

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