The Richard Alston ABC Bias Files
Media Watch May 2004 show on the Rehame commission to monitor ABC news programs for bias.
Lateline: No sign of end to ABC, Alston stand-off
25/07/2003: The stand-off between the ABC and the Federal Government over allegations of bias and anti-Americanism is showing no sign of coming to an end. Unhappy with the ABC's response to his complaints about its Iraq war coverage, Communications Minister Richard Alston, is now considering setting up a completely new structure to adjudicate complaints against the national broadcaster. He says the existing panel, appointed by the ABC board, isn't independent.
ABC Response to Senator Alston's complaints - AM program
21/07/2003 The ABC Managing Director, Russell Balding, has responded to Senator Alston's letter of 28 May 2003 which cited 68 complaints about the ABC current affairs program AM. The Minister's letter complained particularly about `biased' and `anti-American' coverage by the ABC.The ABC's Complaints Review Executive (CRE), has upheld two of Senator Alston's complaints and rejected 66. The CRE also rejected the inference contained in the Minister's complaint that the ABC's coverage was biased.
ICRP Review of Minister's Complaint
10/10/2003: Two of the 68 complaints were upheld by the ABC, and the Panel agrees in both instances with the findings by the Complaints Review Executive, Mr Murray Green. Both showed a lack of objectivity. The Minister himself, in a later submission, decided not to proceed with three other complaints.Having considered the original 68 complaints, the ABC's determination, and the Minister's rebuttal of the ABC's defence, the Independent Complaints Review Panel has upheld 17 complaints in all, but on different grounds.
Media Watch: The Minister's complaint
03/11/2003:We can't say goodbye to 2003 without taking a backward glance at the biggest media story of the year: the Senator's 68 complaints of bias against the ABC.
10/22/2003 The Bulletin: The ABC faces independent monitoring of its news and current affairs following bias complaints by former communications minister Richard Alston. It is sure to further undermine relations between the government and the national broadcaster.
