ABC to demand rightwing One Nation party stop using Bluey in ‘shocking and disrespectful’ cartoon
Summary
Australia’s public broadcaster, the ABC, plans to send One Nation a cease-and-desist letter over the party’s use of Bluey in a political cartoon. ABC managing director Hugh Marks said the character was used without permission and that the broadcaster believes the video infringes its intellectual property. At a Senate hearing, Marks also discussed a former news director’s termination payout and changes to Four Corners after a review found flaws in some programs.Key Facts
- The 2024 One Nation video, titled “State of Melbourne,” has received about 1.3 million YouTube views.
- The cartoon shows Bluey and political figures being struck by an SUV; some scenes depict characters putting bodies in the vehicle’s trunk.
- Marks said the ABC had sought legal advice and contacted Bluey distributor BBC Studios and creator Ludo.
- Marks said One Nation had not sought permission to use Bluey and that the ABC planned to issue a cease-and-desist letter.
- The Senate hearing took place a week after an alleged attack outside independent MP Helen Haines’s electorate office that left her without both legs.
- Former ABC news director Justin Stevens received a $353,230 termination payout after Marks decided he should not work out his notice period.
- Marks said the ABC found substantial flaws in much of former Four Corners reporter Mahmood Fazal’s work and had replaced the program’s leadership.
- The ABC said it was reviewing its editorial guidance on anonymous sources.
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