“Abhorrent & incorrect”: Ita rejects criticism, backs managing director in staff saga
“David Anderson has always been strong a supporter of the independence of the ABC and its journalists," says Chair Ita Buttrose.
- Published by David Knox
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The ABC Board met yesterday to discuss the legal action brought by Antoinette Lattouf in the Fair Work Commission and a vote of no confidence by MEAA Union members.
The Board passed a unanimous vote of confidence in the ABC’s Managing Director David Anderson.
ABC Chair Ita Buttrose, speaking on behalf of the ABC Board, said: “It is abhorrent and incorrect that people would suggest that he has shown a lack of support for independent journalism and journalists.
“David Anderson has always been strong a supporter of the independence of the ABC and its journalists. He has encouraged them to report without fear or favour and has never weakly surrendered to criticism as some critics have alleged.
“The ABC regularly receives, and responds to, complaints from individuals or organisations and the assumption that either the Managing Director as Editor-in-Chief or I would be influenced by any sort of lobbying pressure is quite simply wrong.
“The Board, including the Managing Director, recognise that this is a very difficult environment for our staff with many societal issues that threaten to divide us. We will continue to prioritise actions that support our staff, ensure our journalistic independence, and protect the trust that Australians place in the ABC.”’
ABC has also rejected the claims raised by Ms. Lattouf and lodged its defence.
3 Responses
I’ve always respected Ita but she is dead wrong on this. The way this journalist & others have been treated is a disgrace. We saw the transcripts of what went on. Most of the decent journalists left have either been sacked or resigned. You need to have a good hard look at yourselves.
It’s been mostly a radio story, but has expanded to staff more broadly. That said I feel we’ve only sighted transcripts from one side of the conversation. There are always lobby groups putting their case forward to ABC management.
Person with hand caught in the cookie jar lashes out angrily at suggestions they were trying to pinch cookies.