Ita Buttrose’s ABC ‘insults’ peeve union

Australia’s largest media union has attacked media doyenne Ita Buttrose for her remarks about the failures of ABC journalism, labelling her criticisms ‘insulting’ and dismissing her views as irrelevant.

Former ABC chairwoman Ita Buttrose.

Australia’s largest media union has attacked media doyenne Ita Buttrose for her remarks about the failures of ABC journalism, labelling her criticisms “insulting” and dismissing her views as irrelevant.

The Media Entertainment & Arts Alliance’s swipe at Ms Buttrose follows her appearance on ABC radio on Monday when she said some journalists at the public broadcaster did not always present both sides of a story.

“I think there’s no harm in presenting both sides of an argument and I don’t understand the reluctance of some of our interviewers not to do that,” she said.

“Have both sides of the story – it’s much better for the viewer or the listener.”

On Tuesday afternoon, the MEAA took to social media to respond to her on-air remarks.

“Ita Buttrose has no relevant role at the ABC any longer, and her comments are insulting to journalists who strive for accuracy and impartiality, as required by the MEAA code of ethics, every day,” the union said in a statement posted on social media platform X.

Ms Buttrose completed her five-year tenure as ABC chair in March this year.

The Australian asked the union why it suggested Ms Buttrose – who has worked in the media for more than five decades – was no longer qualified to discuss industry matters.

The MEAA did not reply.

During Monday’s interview with Radio National breakfast show host Patricia Karvelas, Ms Buttrose also said ABC staff were “too sensitive” to external criticism. Karvelas had claimed News Corp publications (including The Australian) “have gone after ABC frontline reporters and presenters pretty hard, including me.”

Ms Buttrose dismissed the claims.

“No, look, quite frankly I think you are all too sensitive about News Corp; let them do what they want to do, it doesn’t really matter,” she said.

“If the ABC can’t take the criticism, then it should just give up.

“It doesn’t matter what they say, it doesn’t matter, don’t keep worrying about what they say.

“Just keep doing your own job, which you have to do, just do it.”

Ms Buttrose declined to comment when she was contacted by The Australian on Tuesday.