Justin Stevens, ABC Director, News said in a statement released at the same time as Tingle’s on Wednesday that Tingle’s remarks at the Sydney Writers’ Festival “lacked the context, balance and supporting information of her work for the ABC and would not have met the ABC’s editorial standards.”
“Although the remarks were conversational, and not made in her work capacity, the ABC and its employees have unique obligations in the Australian media,” Stevens said.
“She has explained her remarks in more detail to ensure there is a factual record of the relevant context and detail. The ABC’s editorial standards serve a vital role. Laura has been reminded of their application at external events as well as in her work and I have counselled her over the remarks.”
Stevens said Tingle is one of Australia’s most experienced, knowledgeable and accomplished journalists who has “always sought to better inform Australians by cutting through the politics that often alienates them. The ABC strongly believes hearing informed and independent voices is valuable to our society.”
More to come.
