- Aug 9, 2019
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Even the ALP communications Minister having to pull the ABC's head in for them...pleasantly surprised to say the least.
ABC cracks down on ‘anti-China’ comments after ambassador’s visit
A minister has slammed the ABC for directing a senior security expert to not criticise Beijing in a Radio National interview just days after a Chinese ambassador’s visit to ABC headquarters.The ABC has denied pandering to the Chinese Communist Party after a senior security expert claimed he was told “not to make any anti-China comments” in the wake of a visit by Beijing’s ambassador to the national broadcaster’s headquarters.
Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said that “it is for the ABC to explain what occurred on this occasion,” while noting that “as the independent public broadcaster, the ABC plays an important role in reporting and discussing the challenges associated with our complex relationship with China.”
Sen Sarah Henderson, shadow communications minister, said, “As a representative of ASPI, a highly credentialed, non-partisan defence and strategic think tank, it is most surprising that the ABC would seek to direct Dr Davis on what he should say and not say about China, even innocently as they now claim.”
“This appears to be at odds with the national broadcaster’s statutory obligation to disseminate news and information impartially and accurately,” she said.