Once again ABC reporting serves as a publicity vehicle for a third party, this time the Climate Institute. ABC's report "Australia must do more to curb emissions: report" published online reads like a press release with Climate Institute chief executive John Connor given Carte Blanche to spruik the reports findings. Did Auntie's journalists consider asking a question? Perhaps one concerning the scientific basis for urgent action, especially given the implications of recent scientific results?
The report was produced by Bloomberg New Energy Finance here's a photo of one of the report authors, Seb Henbest, along side ABC's Tony Jones at Carbon Expo 2009 "Australasia’s premier Trade Fair & Carbon Conference". We wonder who was paying Tony's salary for acting as a moderator at the event, and does this conflict with his role as a journalist?
Update: the following from ABC Audience and Consumer Affairs 20 July
Thank you for your email of 25 May concerning the ABC News Online article "Australia
must do more to curb emissions: report", published the previous day. Please accept my
apologies for the delay in responding.
In keeping with ABC complaint handling procedures, your concerns have been investigated
by Audience and Consumer Affairs, a unit separate to and independent from ABC program
areas. In light of your concerns, we have assessed the article against the ABC's
editorial requirements for impartiality and balance in news and current affairs content,
as outlined in section 5.2.2(d) and (e) of the ABC's Editorial Policies:http://www.abc.net.au/corp/
have also sought and considered material from ABC News.
ABC News has explained that the story is a straightforward news report which covered the
release of a new report by The Climate Institute. They note that the claims in the
report are properly attributed to the Institute's Chief Executive, John Connor, and do
not represent the editorial opinion of the ABC. In line with the ABC's editorial
requirement to present a range of views on matters of importance over time, ABC News has
published a number of stories featuring a range of perspectives on policy responses to
carbon pollution and renewable energies. For example, stories published around the time
of the article in question, and in recent weeks, include:
http://www.abc.net.au/news/
http://www.abc.net.au/news/
http://www.abc.net.au/news/
http://www.abc.net.au/news/
http://www.abc.net.au/news/
http://www.abc.net.au/news/
http://www.abc.net.au/news/
http://www.abc.net.au/news/
http://www.abc.net.au/news/
http://www.abc.net.au/news/
On review, Audience and Consumer Affairs believe the story was newsworthy and
contributed to the range of perspectives on the subject presented by ABC News Online
over time. Accordingly, while noting your concerns, we are satisfied that the article
was in keeping with the ABC's editorial requirements for impartiality and balance in
news and current affairs content. Nonetheless, please be assured that your comments have
been conveyed to the editors of ABC News Online.
Thank you again for taking the time to write, and for your interest in the ABC. For your
reference, a copy of the ABC Code of Practice is available at:http://www.abc.net.au/corp/
Yours sincerely
Audience & Consumer Affairs
must do more to curb emissions: report", published the previous day. Please accept my
apologies for the delay in responding.
In keeping with ABC complaint handling procedures, your concerns have been investigated
by Audience and Consumer Affairs, a unit separate to and independent from ABC program
areas. In light of your concerns, we have assessed the article against the ABC's
editorial requirements for impartiality and balance in news and current affairs content,
as outlined in section 5.2.2(d) and (e) of the ABC's Editorial Policies:http://www.abc.net.au/corp/
have also sought and considered material from ABC News.
ABC News has explained that the story is a straightforward news report which covered the
release of a new report by The Climate Institute. They note that the claims in the
report are properly attributed to the Institute's Chief Executive, John Connor, and do
not represent the editorial opinion of the ABC. In line with the ABC's editorial
requirement to present a range of views on matters of importance over time, ABC News has
published a number of stories featuring a range of perspectives on policy responses to
carbon pollution and renewable energies. For example, stories published around the time
of the article in question, and in recent weeks, include:
http://www.abc.net.au/news/
http://www.abc.net.au/news/
http://www.abc.net.au/news/
http://www.abc.net.au/news/
http://www.abc.net.au/news/
http://www.abc.net.au/news/
http://www.abc.net.au/news/
http://www.abc.net.au/news/
http://www.abc.net.au/news/
http://www.abc.net.au/news/
On review, Audience and Consumer Affairs believe the story was newsworthy and
contributed to the range of perspectives on the subject presented by ABC News Online
over time. Accordingly, while noting your concerns, we are satisfied that the article
was in keeping with the ABC's editorial requirements for impartiality and balance in
news and current affairs content. Nonetheless, please be assured that your comments have
been conveyed to the editors of ABC News Online.
Thank you again for taking the time to write, and for your interest in the ABC. For your
reference, a copy of the ABC Code of Practice is available at:http://www.abc.net.au/corp/
Yours sincerely
Audience & Consumer Affairs
To which we replied...
Thankyou for your reply. Please also weigh against 5.2.2 (f) Be questioning. Serve the
public interest by investigating issues affectingsociety and individuals.
We feel ABC News were not questioning in this case and as such this story lacked
journalistic integrity.
public interest by investigating issues affectingsociety and individuals.
We feel ABC News were not questioning in this case and as such this story lacked
journalistic integrity.
Update reply from ABC below, received 3 August
Thank you for your email of 20 July.
In light of your further concerns, we have assessed the ABC News Online article "Australia must do more to curb emissions: report", published on 24 May, against provision 5.2.2(f) of the ABC's Editorial Policies.
As noted in my previous response, the story is a straightforward news report which covered the release of a new report by The Climate Institute. The ongoing debates around policy responses to carbon pollution and renewable energies are clearly matters of public interest and issues affecting society and individuals. Accordingly, on review, Audience and Consumer Affairs are satisfied the story was in keeping with section 5.2.2(f) of the ABC's Editorial Policies.
In any event, please be assured that your further comments have been noted and conveyed to ABC News management.
Thank you again for taking the time to write, and for your interest in the ABC.
In light of your further concerns, we have assessed the ABC News Online article "Australia must do more to curb emissions: report", published on 24 May, against provision 5.2.2(f) of the ABC's Editorial Policies.
As noted in my previous response, the story is a straightforward news report which covered the release of a new report by The Climate Institute. The ongoing debates around policy responses to carbon pollution and renewable energies are clearly matters of public interest and issues affecting society and individuals. Accordingly, on review, Audience and Consumer Affairs are satisfied the story was in keeping with section 5.2.2(f) of the ABC's Editorial Policies.
In any event, please be assured that your further comments have been noted and conveyed to ABC News management.
Thank you again for taking the time to write, and for your interest in the ABC.
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