9 Results

Almost 16 long, sometimes dark, years of Coalition-appointed ABC chairmen come to an end on Wednesday when Jim Spigelman claims the big-window office at Aunty, writes David Salter, journalist and former Media Watch EP.

Climate change denier Lord Christopher Monckton has threatened to sue the ABC and described its chairman Maurice Newman as a “shrimp-like wet little individual”, writes journalist Graham Readfearn.

The term “objective reporting” is thrown around newsrooms and in public life as though it were a simple thing, easy to judge and obtain, but recent events at the ABC have led to angst at the most senior levels.

Crikey readers weigh in on ABC chairman Maurice Newman and climate change (it never ends), Abbott’s baby bonus and public hospital reform plans.

With one speech, ABC chairman Maurice Newman has returned the national broadcaster to the days of having a politically interventionist board running a culture wars agenda.

Maurice Newman’s grubby comments about climate science reflect a denialist mentality that treats climate change as a game rather than a massive threat.

Yesterday was the closing date for nominations for vacancies on the ABC and SBS boards, and although the “arm’s length” appointment process is independent, the parameters are still within the influence of the incumbents.