The next managing director of the ABC must act quickly to restore the confidence of staff and audiences by firmly defending the independence and integrity of its news reporting.
The Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance, the union representing journalists at the ABC, says the next managing director appointed to replace David Anderson must heed concerns about political interference and uphold the standards of reporting without fear or favour that the public expects of the ABC, along with defending staff from racism, bullying and harassment.
The acting Director of MEAA Media, Michelle Rae, said for union members it was important that the next managing director put an end to the seemingly endless cycle of redundancies and restructures, and restore stability and confidence that staff can have viable, secure careers at the national broadcaster.
They should also bring to a close the legal saga caused by the sacking of broadcaster Antoinette Lattouf last December.
“The ABC is one of Australia’s most important institutions, and as such it needs strong leadership,” Ms Rae said.
“The managing director of the ABC must put the ABC and its staff first. They must be prepared to stare down lobbying by politicians, businesses and unaccountable organisations that seek to interfere in the ABC’s journalism.
“As the effective editor-in-chief of ABC news, the next managing director must reaffirm the independence of its reporting so it can be trusted by all Australians as a source of journalism without fear and favour.
“One of the first tasks of the next managing director should be to end the pointless and costly defence of an unfair dismissal claim by Antoinette Lattouf.
“The right thing to do would be to admit the ABC was wrong to dismiss Ms Lattouf and apologise to her.
“Dropping the case would send a signal to ABC news staff that the managing director is committed to editorial independence and to making the ABC a workplace that is safe and inclusive for people from a wide spectrum of diversity.
“MEAA members are looking for a leader at the ABC who respects their work, is consultative and willing to collaborate with staff for the future of the broadcaster.”
