The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) has referred a segment featuring a graphic description of fantasised violence against mining magnate Gina Rinehart to its internal ombudsman, a move that follows public outcry and criticism from the government. The segment, created by activist Kate McGuinness, was aired last week on the ABC's "Race Around The World" series.
Initially, the broadcaster defended the piece, stating it was "intended to be satirical in tone and considered to be editorially justifiable within the context of the program." However, the ABC has since bowed to public pressure and submitted the content for review by its Ombudsman, according to News24.
Communications Minister Anika Wells described the content as "unacceptable." While respecting the ABC's editorial independence, Wells acknowledged the broadcaster's decision to refer the segment to the Ombudsman, whose office reports directly to the ABC board.
The film featured McGuinness exploring a local area and learning relaxation techniques. However, the segment took a disturbing turn when McGuinness described a violent, fantasised assault on Rinehart. While the specific details are too graphic to publish, reports indicate the description involved graphically assaulting the mining magnate with a stick.
Representatives for Hancock Prospecting, Rinehart's mining company, condemned the video shortly after it aired, calling it "disgusting" and accusing the ABC of encouraging and normalising violence and murder. The company argued that the segment passed through multiple editorial and broadcast processes, questioning whether the ABC's defence of "satire" aligned with its charter responsibilities. They called for a public apology and an investigation into how the content was approved.
Former ABC chair Maurice Newman also voiced strong criticism, stating that the broadcaster had "lost its way." He described the segment as "hateful, disgusting, in breach of the ABC Charter," and expressed doubt about its satirical intent.