I’d used a bias detection tool called ‘Allsides’ and found heavy bias existed in ABC’s Online NEWS coverage of articles containing gender diversity content.
To put it bluntly, these NEWS articles:
- Contained very little objective journalism
- Were biased by omission of certain facts
- Used opinion statements as fact
- Used subjective qualifying adjectives (like ‘wonderful’ or ‘horrid’)
- Engaged in sensationalism and emotionalism
In other words, the ABC’s coverage of the gender topic was mainly ‘Opinion’ labelled as NEWS. The articles did NOT belong in the NEWS section, but in an ‘Opinion’ section. At the time of research, an ‘Opinion’ section did not exist.
As a result, I asked for three changes
- That the biased gender related articles be moved to an ‘Opinion’ section.
- That The ABC relinquish all connection with groups that could influence NEWS or be seen to influence NEWS. Special reference was made to the ACON (Aids Council of NSW) LGBTQA Pride in Diversity programs. The ABC pays to belong to these and gets rewarded for stories/actions that favor LGBTQA ideology.
- That ABC NEWS staff and management undertake anti-bias news training.
I’m pleased that the ABC Editorial Division took some notice of my complaint. Adding categories and subsections was helpful. Thank you.
However, the most important request of all in my submission asks the ABC to withdraw from groups that do or may be seen to influence their news. ACON is the big problem here.
As 60 days have passed and I’ve received zilch from Editorial Director Gavin Fang, there’s more work to do.
Now, the complaint and proposed changes go to the Press Council, the ABC Board and the Finance Minister Senator Katy Gallagher. The Finance Minister is responsible for rectifying any breach of The Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013.
This WILL be interesting.