More ABC ‘Bias’ Claims – in Lismore!

The Federal Opposition has lodged an official complaint with the ABC for alleged bias in the treatment of local Federal election candidates by ABC regional radio.

Shadow Communications’ Minister, Lindsay Tanner, says endorsed Labor candidates in the Lismore region, particularly Kevin Bell in
Page, are receiving very little coverage at ABC Radio Lismore.

“ABC NSW has justified, in writing, the lack of coverage of Labor candidates in Lismore on the
basis that the election has not been called and they are, therefore, not
candidates.

“Other Labor candidates in NSW and Queensland have reported similar problems.

“In Ballarat, however, the endorsed Liberal candidate has received coverage
on local ABC radio, where she has been quoted several times as the Liberal candidate on matters of local importance.

“At face value, the ABC appears to be giving different treatment to candidates in different areas. There does not appear to be a consistent national policy on the treatment of candidates opposing sitting members.

“The ABC must be seen to be beyond reproach on its coverage of national politics. It is not good enough to have some candidates, opposing sitting members, receiving regular coverage and others getting none, based on what appears to be arbitrary local decisions about their status.

“The ABC must develop a clear policy on the coverage of candidates
opposing local members and ensure no one is disadvantaged in the lead up to the next election. Labor wants the ABC to ensure all candidates receive a fair go.”