ABC Releases Apology After False Malcolm Turnbull Claims

ABC Releases Apology After False Malcolm Turnbull Claims
Daisy Doctor
By Daisy Doctor
SHARE
THIS



The ABC has released an apology after political editor Andrew Probyn falsely claimed Malcolm Turnbull was responsible for five by-elections slated for July.

During a story on the 7pm News on Friday 25 May, Probyn stated the Prime Minister chose the 28 July by-elections date.

According to a spokesperson from ABC, the statement “should have either been attributed to sources or presented in the context of explicit denials that he had selected the date.

“In the absence of such context, the statement was found not to have met ABC standards for accuracy.”

The person responsible for calling by-elections is, in fact, the speaker of the house, Tony Smith, not the Prime Minister.

In the apology, the ABC acknowledged the mistake, a move, which is “consistent with the ABC’s rigorous and transparent processes for editorial oversight.

Adding, “It does not detract from the body of quality reporting and analysis Andrew continues to provide to ABC audiences.”

The statement also called Andrew Probyn a “respected journalist” who “has distinguished himself with a large body of award-winning and news-breaking political reporting during his lengthy career.”

“Andrew is the first to recognise that the ABC has the strongest expectation of accuracy in our coverage and analysis of current events – he meets that expectation daily.”

According to different media sources, the broadcaster was forced to apologise after a member of the Turnbull government contacted the ABC.

Earlier this year, Probyn was accused of breaching journalistic codes by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) for a comment made about former prime minister Tony Abbott.

During a report on Tony Abbott, Probyn called the former prime minister “the most ­destructive politician of his generation”.

Probyn was reporting on Abbott’s attendance at a Climate Change event in London last year, and referred to Abbott’s statement that climate change is was “probably doing good; or at least, more good than harm”.

Please login with linkedin to comment

ABC andrew probyn Tony Abbott turnbull

Latest News

Creating Efficiencies in the Age of Consumer Privacy
  • Marketing

Creating Efficiencies in the Age of Consumer Privacy

In this opinion piece, Jess Miles, Country Manager ANZ of Integral Ad Science, reflects on the questions surrounding consumer data. The ability to collect consumer data online has revolutionised digital advertising by enabling customised targeting strategies and data collection. This reliance on data has been the cornerstone of many audience targeted strategies enabling marketers to […]

Opinion

by Kathleen Farmilo

Kathleen Farmilo
Jye Smith Named President Of Vibewire Board
  • Media

Jye Smith Named President Of Vibewire Board

After ten years of board leadership of the young entrepreneurial collective Vibewire, Founder & Co-CEO of Disruptors Co. Gavin Heaton is passing the torch to fellow strategy and creative leader Jye Smith, Founder and Director of branding and design studio DOUBLESTAR CO, who will now take over as Board President.

Australian CDP Lexer Raises $33.5M In Funding
  • Technology

Australian CDP Lexer Raises $33.5M In Funding

Lexer, the Customer Data Platform for brands and retailers, today announced it has raised AU$33.5 million in Series B funding, bringing its total funding to AU$43 million. The round was led by Blackbird Ventures and King River Capital, with Series A investor January Capital also participating. Blackbird’s Rick Baker will join the Lexer board. The […]