ABC reporter could face disciplinary action over opinion piece, journalists’ union says

A high-profile dispute has erupted between ABC management and one of its journalists over an opinion piece published in the Australian Financial Review. The network is considering disciplinary action against the award-winning climate journalist, who wrote the article in his role as federal president of the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA). The move has drawn criticism from the union, which argues the piece was published in an official capacity. ABC has so far declined to confirm or deny whether any action will be taken.

Opinion piece by head of union Michael Slezak sparks disagreement with new ABC director of news, Simon RobinsonSign up for Guardian Australia’s free weekly media newsletter hereABC management has refused to rule out disciplinary action against a journalist and union office-holder for writing an opinion piece for the Australian Financial Review, according to the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA).The award-winning ABC climate journalist, Michael Slezak, had an article published last week in Nine’s financial newspaper in his capacity as federal president of MEAA. Continue reading...