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Tuesday, 20 February 2007

News flash: ABC talk host accused by politician of holding opinion

Broadcaster Jon Faine and Foreign Minister Alexander Downer discuss the case of David Hicks on ABC Radio in Melbourne this morning:

FAINE: We shall see what our listeners make when we get to calls in a little moment or two. Thank you for your time this morning.

DOWNER: Well I know what you make of it.

FAINE: No you don’t, in fact, Minister. With absolute respect, whether I’m interviewing you or your counterpart, whether I’m interviewing the Prime Minister or the Leader of the Opposition, surely you agree my role is to ask the stickiest question I can think of regardless of what my personal views might be and I’m personally getting a little tired of being told that you must think this and you must think that.

DOWNER: I think you do a wonderful job.

FAINE: Well I don’t want to be patronised either if you don’t mind.

DOWNER: Toughen up.

FAINE: Thank you.

DOWNER: Bye.