Federal Opposition leader Mark Latham has admitted that past Labor governments stacked the ABC Board in an attempt to politicise the national broadcaster. He says the current Liberal Government has done the same thing.

Speaking on ABC TV’s Lateline, Latham also said there will be more funding for the ABC under a Labor government.

“Let’s get some of the politics out of the ABC… Rebuild its independence and its capacity to service the Australian media consumers who really look to it as a fine institution.”

In the months leading up to an election politicians always try to court favour from broadcasters and newspaper publishers, so Latham’s comments are part of a typical election leadup strategy.

Latham has pledged if Labor wins government the ABC will be more independent, will get more funding and will not be forced to take advertising.