ABC reporter could face disciplinary action over opinion piece, journalists’ union says
Summary
An ABC journalist and union leader, Michael Slezak, may face disciplinary action for writing an opinion article in another newspaper. The article criticized a proposal limiting journalists’ access to company director information, and ABC management is reviewing whether he followed rules about outside work.Key Facts
- Michael Slezak is an award-winning ABC climate journalist and federal president of the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA) union.
- Slezak wrote an opinion piece in the Australian Financial Review about a proposal by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission to restrict journalists’ access to certain personal information.
- ABC management called Slezak to a meeting to discuss if he violated the ABC’s policy on external work and public comments.
- The union says Slezak did not need ABC approval for the article because of an agreement that allows him to speak publicly as a union representative.
- ABC’s new director of news, Simon Robinson, and other management have not ruled out disciplinary actions, including possible dismissal.
- The union claims this is an attack on press freedom and union rights, urging ABC leaders to confirm no disciplinary action will be taken.
- Over 190 union members signed a letter supporting Slezak, and the union plans to meet to decide on a joint response.
- ABC’s managing director Hugh Marks has had tense relations with the union, including during a recent staff strike.
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