SKY lodges formal complaint in tender process
SKY News has lodged a formal complaint with the Dept. of Foreign Affairs over ABC's alleged lobbying of a minister for the Australia Network contract.
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SKY News has lodged a formal complaint with the Department of Foreign Affairs over ABC chief Mark Scott’s alleged lobbying of a senior cabinet minister in the fiercely contested contract to run Australia Network.
The Age reports has also complained about a speech Scott delivered in June in spite of rules that prohibit the bidders speaking out on the tender. Bidders are required to obtain written approval from the Foreign Affairs department before making public comments.
ABC corporate affairs director Michael Millett has previously confirmed, “The managing director confirms the conversation did take place with Martin Ferguson several weeks ago and no details of the tender were discussed.”
The complaint doesn’t not include the Gillard government’s late changes to rules shifting the responsibility for the tender from Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd to Communications Minister Senator Conroy.
The opposition is threatening an inquiry into any conflict of interest given Senator Conroy’s portfolio includes the ABC.
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4 Responses
Regardless of whether you think a commercial broadcaster should be able win a government tender – Sky has solid grounds for a complaint.
@ Russell – Nice one mate 🙂 I second you
Maybe the tender panel should watch “Tomorrow Never Dies” – “Agent James Bond 007 is on a mission which includes a media tycoon, his former lover and a Chinese agent. Elliot Carver wants to complete his global media empire, but in order for this to work., he must achieve broadcasting rights in China”.
Sound like someone in real life?
Maybe the ABC could attach a complimentary DVD to each copy of its tender document?
I’d like to lodge a formal complaint to Sky.
Over being an absolute embarrassment of a news channel.