ABC warns journalist over opinion piece defending press freedom
ABC warned it won't rule out firing climate journalist Michael Slezak for an article defending press freedom.
Michael Slezak is an award-winning ABC climate reporter and federal president of the media union MEAA. Slezak wrote an article in the Australian Financial Review about an ASIC plan to block journalists from getting company directors' personal details.
ABC's new director of news Simon Robinson met with him last week. The head of digital news also attended.
Management suggested he may have broken the ABC's external work rules. They refused to rule out discipline, including firing him.
The union says Slezak has a deal that lets him speak publicly in his union role. In response, 340 ABC union members signed an open letter.
They asked management to confirm he won't face discipline for defending press freedom.
- 340
- Union members petitioned
- Simon Robinson
- New director of news
- Federal president of MEAA
- Journalist's union role
- Australian Financial Review
- Publication
Why it mattersWhen news bosses threaten journalists for defending free speech, it can scare them into silence and weaken public accountability. The ABC's treatment of staff affects how freely journalists can work.
AustraliaThe ABC is Australia's national broadcaster; disputes over editorial freedom and journalist rights shape whether the organisation can hold power to account without management interference.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 3 h ago
Open this story in InSnip →
