ABC’s Four Corners Program Found in Breach of Standards Over Use of Anonymous Sources

An independent watchdog, the ABC ombudsman, has criticized the ABC’s Four Corners program for a culture of secrecy and inadequate fact-checking. Two episodes, led by journalist Mahmood Fazal, were found to have breached editorial standards related to accuracy, fair dealing, and integrity. The episodes were removed by the ABC due to accuracy concerns after questions arose about the use of anonymous sources.

• The ABC ombudsman found two episodes of Four Corners breached editorial standards.
• Concerns were raised regarding the use of anonymous sources in the episodes.
• Mahmood Fazal, a journalist with a past as a bikie, led the episodes in question.
• The ABC removed the episodes due to accuracy concerns.
• The breaches involved standards for accuracy, fair and honest dealing, and independence and integrity.