Impartiality, accuracy must be restored at the ABC

Former ABC chairwoman Ita Buttrose’s assessment of the ABC’s professional failings reveals deep-rooted cultural issues within the organisation (“ABC cops Buttrose blast over news bias”, 30/7). Even current chairman Kim Williams emphasises the importance of impartiality. It seems, however, that this message has not reached the public broadcaster’s staff.

This is particularly evident in the energy debate. The ABC often appears to have an agenda rather than providing a comprehensive and exhaustive view of the topic that allows the public to fully understand the issue.

Take discussions about controversial technologies in the natural gas industry, such as fracture stimulation and carbon capture and storage. The ABC fails to seek explanations from experts such as engineers and geoscientists who specialise in these technologies.

Instead, it predominantly features adversaries who lack any specialised knowledge about these sophisticated technologies. In contrast, when addressing issues in the medical field, the ABC regularly consults specialists to explain the situation.

The ABC has a responsibility to the public to be unbiased and informative. By doing so, it would enable the public to fashion well-informed opinions rather than merely reflect the network’s perceived agenda.

Don McMillan, Paddington, Qld

It’s unfortunate that it has taken Ita Buttrose until now to comment publicly on the elements of bias within the ABC. Very few individuals are in a position to deliver change, to reposition an organisation failing to follow its obligation to deliver balanced programs with fair and accurate reporting. It was with great hope, after her stellar media career, that with Buttrose’s elevation to chairwoman “Their ABC” would once again become “Our ABC”. Sadly, nothing changed.

Bruce Collison, Banks, ACT

I often tune in to the RN Breakfast program to get a sense of the ABC’s one-eyed commentary. It seems there is little hope of balance while the program defers to like-minded individuals for its interviews or to like-minded media outlets for background to their stories. On Tuesday, for example, the program engaged its go-to, the Australian National University, for comment on the Israel-Hezbollah conflict; referred to The Saturday Paper for a story on domestic violence; included a fireside chat between host Patricia Karvelas and new Immigration Minister Tony Burke that the latter described at its conclusion as “a great conversation”; then somehow found time for a catch-up with Guardian Australia’s Karen Middleton, who set the Coalition straight on its criticism of Burke.

The Morrison government appointed Ita Buttrose to chair the ABC in the hope of a reset, in the same way the Howard government appointed Maurice Newman. Persons of great moral authority, no doubt, but incapable of dispersing the public broadcaster’s cultural bias.

Kim Keogh, Claremont, WA

Former ABC chairwoman Ita Buttrose’s comments on Tuesday exposing the bias within the ABC were extraordinarily confusing. First, Buttrose waits until vacating her position as chairwoman before addressing the issue. Second, her statement that “I think there is no harm in presenting both sides of an argument” is akin to saying: “I think there is no harm in a police officer arresting an offender.” Presenting both sides of an argument is the most important task for the ABC; it is its primary mission.

To be a public broadcaster fully funded by the taxpayer, the ABC must reflect the views and interests of every Australian. This is not optional.

Geoff Ellis, Smithfield, Qld

I found it most interesting to read that former ABC chairwoman Ita Buttrose has come out with some timely advice for those at the ABC. Like many others, one wonders why she has come out now and not while in a position of authority. My answer to this is that while in the chair, not for a lack of trying, you cannot shift an entrenched staff collective or the way they approach their responsibilities. For years the supposed leadership of the ABC has been a tiger with no teeth, unable to force staff to honour the broadcaster’s charter. At the end of the day Buttrose joins a very long line of those who have tried to reform the ABC yet failed.

Peter D. Surkitt, Sandringham, NSW