Broadcaster Integrity and Accountability – ABC
Dear Australian Broadcasting Corporation,
I am seeking access to any documents, correspondence, briefing notes, meeting minutes, or internal communications created or held by the [ABC/SBS] between 1 October 2024 and the present which relate to:
The recent British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) admission of misleadingly edited footage of Donald J. Trump’s 6 January 2021 speech in its Panorama documentary, including any internal discussion within the [ABC/SBS] regarding the accuracy, implications, or potential editorial parallels of this incident;
Any internal reviews, audits, or communications concerning the accuracy or editing of political coverage produced or broadcast by the [ABC/SBS] involving footage or commentary about Donald Trump, the January 6 Capitol events, or U.S. election coverage;
Any documents referencing or resulting from the Heston Russell v ABC (2023) Federal Court decision, specifically in relation to editorial standards, verification, or policy reform measures undertaken or discussed within the organisation after theruling;
Any policy documents, directives, or internal communications outlining how the [ABC/SBS] ensures impartiality, accuracy, and verification of foreign-sourced material (such as BBC or CNN footage) before it is rebroadcast or edited for Australian audiences.
I make this request in the public interest, to promote transparency and confidence in the editorial integrity of publicly funded broadcasters.
Yours sincerely,
Brian
ABC FOI 202526-068
Brian
Kindly confirm if the below request is directed solely at the ABC? If so, could you please resend the scope to remove references to the SBS. If you are seeking documents held by the Special Broadcasting Service, you will need to contact them directly with a separate request. This will avoid the need for the ABC to transfer this request in part, under the Commonwealth FOI Act.
Grateful if you would clarify this aspect and we will send a formal acknowledgment after hearing from you by email.
ABC FOI team
13 9994
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Good afternoon Brian
ABC FOI 202526-068
Attached is the ABC’s Notice about your freedom of information request.
Many thanks,
ABC FOI team
13 9994
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