Key facts
- ABC Managing Director Hugh Marks will change editorial guidelines on satire and violence after a controversial segment about Gina Rinehart.
- The segment featured a filmmaker suggesting violence against Rinehart.
- The ABC's ombudsman found the segment did not breach editorial policies but fell short of community expectations.
- Academics and advocates have raised concerns that the policy change represents overreach and is potentially unenforceable.
- Rinehart's company has criticized the ABC's handling of the segment and awaits changes to editorial standards.
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) is set to revise its editorial guidelines concerning satire and violence following a significant backlash over a segment aired on the documentary-reality show 'Race Around the World'. The four-minute film, created by filmmaker Kate McGuinness, included a graphic and violent description directed at billionaire Gina Rinehart.
Following extensive criticism from News Corp and The West Australian, and threats of legal action from Rinehart, ABC Managing Director Hugh Marks issued an apology. While the ABC's ombudsman, Fiona Cameron, determined that the segment did not breach existing editorial policies on harm and offence, Marks stated it fell short of community expectations. Consequently, the ABC will update its guidelines to ensure "no individual should be the subject of comedy that is violent in its description in our programming."
This decision has drawn criticism from academics and advocates who view it as an overreaction and a potential overreach of external pressure. Professor Matthew Ricketson described the move as "ill-advised" and "virtually unenforceable," suggesting it would embolden further demands from media outlets critical of the ABC. Former editorial director Alan Sunderland agreed with the ombudsman's findings but cautioned that overly elaborate policy changes could stifle satire, referencing historical ABC programs like 'Aunty Jack'.
Journalist and academic Dr. Margaret Simons questioned the necessity of rewriting policies, suggesting the issue stemmed from a potential failure in internal judgment calls or referral processes before broadcast. She emphasized that contentious decisions should be escalated internally. An ABC spokesperson confirmed that amendments would be made soon, pending board approval, but did not comment on whether the specific program had undergone upward referral.
Hancock Prospecting, Rinehart's company, stated they await "long overdue changes" and accused the ABC of normalizing "violent torture against a woman till death." They questioned who approved the segment and the delay in its removal. Cassandra Parkinson, president of ABC Friends, criticized the ABC for "overreacting in trying to appease Ms. Rinehart" and urged the broadcaster to uphold its independence against external pressure. McGuinness herself has apologized, clarifying her intent was satirical and not to promote literal violence.