Former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has confirmed he expressed his severe disapproval over the ABC‘s recent editorial standards but denied calling for the metaphorical heads of several of its highest-profile journalists, amid one of the most significant leadership crises to ever face the public broadcaster.
The Sydney Morning Herald reports Turnbull made time to chat with reporters in New York City, where he’s been camped out since he himself was turfed from office, to speak on allegations that he used his long-time friendship with ABC chairman Justin Milne to influence the ABC.
Discussing the allegation that Milne asked now-ousted ABC managing director Michelle Guthrie to “get rid of” correspondent Emma Alberici after official governmental complaints, Turnbull said he “obviously” spoke to folks at the ABC about his opinion.
But he denies directly asking Milne to directly act on Alberici, maintaining that he was simply miffed at the errors found in that particular article.
“The bottom line is I’ve never called for anyone to be fired,” Turnbull said.
“My concern had been the accuracy and impartiality of reporting.”
Turnbull has also been personally linked to other allegations of governmental overreach and influence at the ABC.
Speaking to The Guardian Australia yesterday, ABC sources said Milne tried to pressure Guthrie into reversing Triple J‘s decision to move the Hottest 100 song countdown from Australia Day as “Malcolm will go ballistic”.
It’s unclear if the ex-PM discussed that one in New York City.
All of this drama has sparked an avalanche of drama, which y’all can catch up on HERE.
