ABC's managing director Hugh Marks has issued an apology to Gina Rinehart after the broadcaster aired an on-air attack against her that was described as "nasty" by one of its own presenters.
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) sparked outrage after broadcasting a film by filmmaker Kate McGuinness that attacked Rinehart during the "Race Around the World" competition on July 12. The competition features aspiring filmmakers creating short films in various countries.
McGuinness's four-minute entry, titled "A Very Relaxing Video," concluded with a graphic attack on Rinehart. While the specific details of the outburst are not publishable, reports indicate it involved violent imagery.
Guest judge Leigh Sales was the only panelist to voice criticism of the remarks, calling them "nasty," though she also expressed appreciation for the film overall.
Initially, the ABC defended the film, stating it was intended to be satirical and editorially justifiable within the program's context. However, more than four weeks after the episode aired and following a threat of legal action from Rinehart, the ABC issued an apology.
"The ABC refers to the film in a recent episode of Race Around the World referencing Mrs Gina Rinehart AO," Marks said in a statement. "While the Ombudsman has found that the film did not breach the ABC's editorial policies, the ABC acknowledges the episode has fallen short of community expectations."
The statement continued, "The ABC apologizes to Mrs Rinehart and to anyone else affected or upset by the publication of the film." The broadcaster also indicated it would review its editorial policies regarding violence and the distinction between news and non-news content.
As a result of the review, the ABC stated it will amend its guidance as it applies to violence. The film has since been edited on ABC's platforms to remove the controversial material.