ABC ordered to explain Sam Dastyari ‘infomercial’

The Communications Minister wants answers from ABC boss Michelle Guthrie over a much-criticised Sam Dastyari ‘infomercial’.

A piece about Labor senator Sam Dastyari on the ABC has come under fire for being a ‘puff piece’. Picture: Kym Smith

Communications Minister Mitch Fifield has written to ABC Managing Director Michelle Guthrie demanding an explanation for the national broadcaster’s Australian Story profile of Labor senator Sam Dastyari.

The program, which aired last week, was variously described as an “infomercial”, “puff piece” and “media pit stop on the road to political redemption” by politicians ranging from Australian Conservatives leader Cory Bernardi to Tasmanian Greens senator Peter Whish-Wilson, who has also written to Ms Guthrie regarding the Australian Story episode.

The critics accused the ABC of giving Senator Dastyari a platform to sell his memoir, One Halal of a Story, which came out last month, and of glossing over his disgrace last year when it was revealed he had allowed Chinese donors to pay a $1670 travel bill and a $5000 legal bill.

Senator Fifield has also asked Ms Guthrie to provide an explanation for the editorial decisions surrounding a Media Watch episode which aired three weeks earlier and featured Senator Dastyari’s views on the Future of Public Interest Journalism senate inquiry.

“With respect to Australian Story, questions have been raised about the timing of the episode given the recent release of Senator Dastyari’s book. I ask that you provide an explanation of the editorial decisions associated with the airing of the episode and whether, and how, the ABC factored in the recent release of a book by Senator Dastyari,” Senator Fifield wrote in the letter.

“I would appreciate an explanation of the rationale for dedicating an episode of Media Watch to explore Senator Dastyari’s opinions on a specific issue.

“The combination of these two programs within weeks of each other prompts me to seek further details about the background to them.

“In making this request I am not being critical of Senator Dastyari as all members of parliament understandably will seek platforms.

“However it is important for the ABC not to be seen to be favouring any individual in terms of its programming.”

An ABC spokesman said Ms Guthrie would respond in due course, having only just received the letter.

Last week the ABC defended the Australian Story episode, saying it had broadcast and published substantial and comprehensive reporting on Mr Dastyari’s links to Chinese lobbyists and led the way in key aspects of the story.

“While giving viewers the essential background on these issues, Australian Story took the story further, getting Mr Dastyari to respond to lingering and serious questions about his conduct as a Senator,” a spokeswoman said.

“There is clear public interest in hearing Mr Dastyari’s answers to previously unanswered allegations. The program also took into account legal considerations.”