ACMA clears ABC News report over political bias

An ABC News report ahead of the South Australian state election has been cleared of political bias by the Australian Media & Communications Authority.

On March 17 an ABC report referred to the Jay Wetherill government as being “on the nose.”

Karina Carvalho: “This week South Australians will go to the polls in an election which is near impossible to call. Labor is on the nose after 16 years in government, but a Liberal win isn’t guaranteed. That’s because independent candidates, and a party led by former Senator Nick Xenophon are wild cards.”

A report from the Mount Gambier electorate followed with resident vox-pops and politician quotes.

A complainant accused ABC of bias against Labor asking, “How did ABC determine SA govt was on the nose?”

But an ACMA investigation found the report did not focus solely on the Labor government but also provided a range of observations about the Liberal candidate, the new SA Best party and a non-aligned Independent.

It found the report allowed opportunities for a variety of perspectives to be expressed, including those of constituents, supporters, critics, candidates and party leaders.

“In the context of a report that was broadcast nationally, summarising aspects of an imminent state election, the ACMA considers the report demonstrated fair treatment and open-mindedness in its approach and was duly impartial,” an ACMA report stated.

ACMA ruled there was no breach by the ABC.

Last month it found ABC political editor Andrew Probyn went too far when he criticised Tony Abbott over climate change.