ABC denies claim that it gagged journalist

The ABC denies gagging journalist Nick Ross after he quit, claiming he’d been prevented from writing about the NBN.

The ABC Building in Ultimo.

The ABC has denied gagging a journalist after he resigned and suggested he had been prevented from writing about the National Broadband Network.
Nick Ross, who edits a forum on the ABC website that focuses on technology and games issues, has posted a series of messages on Twitter and Facebook about alleged incidents.

Asked by a Twitter user if he was “gagged”, Ross replied “yes”. Earlier today, Ross announced his resignation via Twitter and Facebook.

Ross tweeted: “Mixed emotions here: I’ve left the ABC. Some stuff still falling out but hey, I can potentially write about #NBN again(!)..”

In a statement sent to The Australian, a spokeswoman for the ABC said the public broadcaster “does not “gag” the coverage of any issues or topics of public importance”.

“As our record makes clear, the ABC covers all issues of public importance thoroughly and independently,” the spokeswoman said.

“The only “restrictions” on the issues the ABC covers and the way we cover them are our Editorial Policies, which set standards for things like accuracy, impartiality and fair dealing. All of our journalism is required to adhere to these standards at all times.”

The statement confirmed Ross had resigned. “Nick Ross has resigned from the ABC and we are not in a position to make any specific comment about his situation or circumstances other than to wish him well. He was a valued and respected staff member,” it said.

It comes after Ross was disciplined by the broadcaster’s management three years ago over concerns that his online posts about the National Broadband Network failed to meet its “standards of objective journalism”.

The ABC also rejected a suggestion by Ross that the ABC Technology homepage has been deleted, and now redirects to the news section.
“The technology page has long been out of use and has now been decommissioned. All of the content is still available on the ABC News site,” the spokeswoman said.
“Technology coverage will now be run off the front page, where the big audiences are and where it will be more available to our audience.”

In 2013, Ross wrote a series of favourable articles about the NBN. He was highly critical of the Coalition’s opposition to then $37.4 billion project.

At the time, an ABC spokeswoman said Mr Ross had “been reminded of the need to ensure that his work in this area is in keeping with ABC policies”.

The Australian is seeking comment from Ross.