Stan Grant was not the problem with the ABC’s bizarre coronation coverage, it was the decision-makers who still refuse to accept responsibility, writes Rob McKnight.
In politics, you’ll find our leaders only allow investigations to be carried out when they know what the outcome will be. They narrow the terms of reference so that no adverse findings can be found.
The ABC has learnt this lesson well with its ‘investigation’ into the widely criticised coverage of the King’s coronation.
You see the ‘investigation‘ only focused on editorial standards, not the decision to air anti-monarch sentiments as guests were literally entering Westminster Abbey.
And within those terms of reference, it is no surprise Ombudsman Fiona Cameron found no issue with the ABC’s coverage.
I agree editorially there was nothing wrong with the panel conversation, but I strongly take issue with the timing of that discussion.
But instead of listening to the audience, ABC management has not only defended its decision but has doubled down on that decision, with Managing Director David Anderson telling Senate Estimates:
“Some suggested that the debate should have taken place on a different day, but I argue that the chosen day was entirely suitable,” he said.
In response to the findings the ABC said:
“Often in news coverage journalists are told ‘now is not the time’ to discuss certain issues ………This line of argument is often used to shut down uncomfortable debates and to silence critical perspectives. While they may be uncomfortable, important topics and discussions are often best discussed alongside important events when the public is engaged and is open to discuss them.
But surely it all comes down to what viewers are expecting when they turn on the TV to watch a coronation. I highly doubt anti-monarchists would be tuning in as guests were arriving, so who was this piece of television aimed at?
Was the whole point to ‘educate’ monarchists on why they should not be watching the spectacle of a King’s coronation.
It’s that kind of thinking that shows the ABC has lost its way when it comes to reflecting and understanding its audience.
Discussions about our history and the role of the monarchy in Australia are not only valid but essential but lecturing viewers who are tuning in to watch a specific event is pure arrogance.
And the fact that David Anderson and Head of News Justin Stevens can’t see this simple point shows they are out of touch.
If the ABC plans to use its coronation coverage as a template for future cultural events, then I expect it will feature a similar discussion in the lead-up to Mardi Gras next year.
As people take to their floats, will the ABC allow anti-trans leaders to talk about their concerns about the ABC broadcasting the event and the greater social ‘impacts’ of the trans community?
For the record, I am not anti-gay or anti-trans and I don’t believe the ABC should host such a discussion, but as the ABC itself has said:
“Often in news coverage journalists are told ‘now is not the time’ to discuss certain issues ………This line of argument is often used to shut down uncomfortable debates and to silence critical perspectives.
So will the ABC allow that discussion to happen? Of course it won’t but that shows the hypocrisy of the organisation.
Unless you apply the same rules to all events, you can’t use this narrative as an excuse for your botched coronation coverage.
All of this is pretty simple – it was a bad programming decision.
Nothing more, nothing less.
Stan Grant was not the culprit here, it is the two men defending the decision to this day – David Anderson and Justin Stevens.
All they had to do was stand up and say ‘we got it wrong’ and this whole thing would have died down pretty quickly.
Instead, they doubled down, let Grant cop the heat and now one of their highest-profile presenters is on stress leave and the organisation itself is at breaking point.
It might be time for the ABC to consider putting in people who understand the needs of the audience and who can be smart when it comes to progressing topical debates.
These two have failed on all levels.
Yes, Rob. It’s as plain as the nose on King Charles’s ugly mug! The ABC producers made a very silly call in thinking that the Coronation was the right place to debate the role of the monarchy. Even those of us who watched to see the frocks, or to mock the cartoonish pomp of it all could see it.
Having said that, Stan Grant should have had the good sense to point it out to whomever offered him the gig, which he should’ve declined.