Text Message Exchange Sparks Public Dispute Between Journalist and Political Director

A contentious exchange of text messages between One Nation national director James Ashby and veteran journalist Andrew Clennell has brought a public dispute to light, with Ashby appearing to relay criticism from party leader Pauline Hanson. The messages, obtained by the Sydney Morning Herald's On Background column, stem from Clennell's criticism of One Nation's "Please Explain" YouTube cartoon series.

Clennell had described some of the videos, which depict violent slapstick scenarios involving politicians, as "unhelpful" following an unspecified incident involving Helen Haines. In response, Ashby texted Clennell early Monday morning, stating that "the boss (Hanson) thinks you're a dick... she's not interested in talking to you at the moment." Clennell questioned whether the videos would be removed, noting their violent content, and clarified he had only called them "not helpful," not that they "incited violence."

Ashby retorted, "Keep running the Labor Dirt Unit rubbish, Andrew." Clennell indicated he would report that Hanson had withdrawn from an interview due to the criticism. Ashby then added, "Make sure you add the part where she thinks you're a dickhead. That'll help the audience understand why." The exchange escalated with Clennell stating, "You might be able to intimidate other journos but you're not doing it to me, champ. Just try me." Ashby concluded the direct messages by suggesting, "Easier if we don't have anything to do with each other from this point forward, Andrew," to which Clennell replied, "That'll work well for you in politics."

The dispute spilled onto television on Monday night when Ashby appeared on Peta Credlin's program, Credlin. Ashby reiterated the sentiment, stating he also believed Clennell was a "dickhead" and claimed to have received support from within the newsroom. "So, I’m sorry Andrew, but some people do think you’re a dick, and I’m not afraid to call it out at times," Ashby said.

On Tuesday, Clennell appeared on Credlin's show and addressed the matter directly, confronting Credlin for not defending him against Ashby's comments. "This bloke Ashby came on your show last night, and he defamed me, and multiple people have asked why you didn’t back me up," Clennell stated, adding that he had received an apology from Credlin after the show.

Credlin interrupted Clennell, asserting her control over the program's agenda. "Have a look down there, Andrew, the show's called Credlin, right? I will decide what we discuss on the show and the order in which we discuss it," she stated. Credlin explained that she missed Ashby's comments due to producer communications during the live broadcast but would have challenged them had she heard them clearly. She emphasized her direct communication style and stated she would have addressed the issue at the appropriate time in the rundown.