Guardian Australia failed to disclose donor link to voice advocate Megan Davis

The online news outlet receives funding from a philanthropic organisation but failed to disclose the link in an article featuring one of the foundation’s key players.

Professor Megan Davis. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman.

The Guardian Australia failed to disclose links between a commercial sponsor and one of the organisation’s key figureheads quoted in numerous articles by the news website.

The online publication receives funding from philanthropic group the Balnaves Foundation, but has failed to disclose Professor Megan Davis’s key role at the organisation when she has been quoted in articles that are financially supported by it.

In recent months, multiple stories discussing the upcoming voice referendum have been published on The Guardian’s website with an attached note saying the articles have been fully or partially funded by Balnaves. But mentions of Professor Davis – who is also a member of the government’s referendum advisory group – in the articles have failed to disclose her role as Balnaves chair of constitutional law at the University of NSW.

The Guardian Australia was asked why no references to Professor Davis’s role as Balnaves chair were disclosed on relevant articles.

“She is a central figure in the national voice debate and we therefore quote her and reference her in our reporting (by way of normal journalistic decision-making and process),” a Guardian spokeswoman said.

“On reflection, given her prominent role in the debate, we will use her full title when we refer to her to ensure there is no perception of any conflict of interest.”

The Australian is not suggesting Professor Davis was in any way at fault for the lack of disclosure.

The Guardian spokeswoman said Professor Davis’ association with Balnaves was listed on its website.