Lateline apologises for Corby story
Lateline has apologised for a story that claimed Schapelle Corby's father was a drug dealer.
- Published by David Knox
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- Filed under News
On Friday night, Virginia Trioli issued an apology from the ABC: “Last month Lateline aired a story containing new evidence that Schapelle Corby’s father, the late Michael Corby senior, was involved in the drug trade. That story should have made it clear that these were allegations, not facts. And for that we apologise. The story has now been amended to make it accurate and you can see the corrected version on our website.”
The apology followed a story which linked Schapelle Corby’s father to a drug trade. At the time the story was picked up by other media.
According to the advocacy website Schapelle.net, “the ABC acknowledges that its reporter should have stated that allegations have been made that Mr Corby was involved in the drug trade, rather than stating these claims as fact.
“We have concluded that the following statements by the reporter are in breach of 5.2.2 of our Editorial Policies.”
In its story, Lateline claimed “the father Michael Corby senior and his daughter Schapelle Corby represent 30 years in the marijuana business.’ ‘But Michael Corby senior’s experience in the drug trade involved more than just the occasional puff.’ ‘Throughout his long drug career, Michael Corby senior avoided going to jail.'”
The ABC has since agreed the report should have included a reference to the fact that Queensland Police found no evidence to suggest that Mr Corby was linked to a cannabis seizure.
The broadcaster admitted that Lateline was aware of this information but failed to include it in the report.
Sources: ABC, Schapelle.net
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2 Responses
For years everyone I know who likes a puff has known where to go if they want it “in bulk”. Business isn’t what it used to be though, all the publicity has seen to that. And that, I think, is the point.
But yes, I do expect better from the ABC than tabloid spin. Usually they are well aware that an allegation and a fact are two different things.
Who would have thought the ABC would chase Today Tonight into the gutter with their disgraceful tabloid reporting? The Australian media needs a major overhaul… and what they are doing to the Corby family is just plain evil. You really have to question WHY?