Lattouf case raises questions about the ABC

After all, Lattouf’s social media history expressing strong views on the Israel-Gaza war was on the public record long before she was offered work at the ABC.

Viewers expect ABC presenters and journalists to report without fear or favour. But to do that, staff must be assured their employer will back them; that understanding is fundamental for any media organisation aspiring to deliver quality journalism.

Sadly, Lattouf’s treatment threatens to undermine the confidence of ABC presenters and journalists, especially when they take up controversial topics.

Perhaps the most worrying part of the Lattouf case is the doubt it casts on the broadcaster’s willingness to stand up to powerful interests.

Buttrose and Anderson deny outside influences played any role in Lattouf’s sacking. But the credulity of those claims has been sorely tested by evidence presented in court.

Linton Besser, host of the ABC’s own Media Watch program, said of the Lattouf case this week: “So far it the seems clear to us that all it took for the organisation to abandon its most basic obligations to one of its on-air presenters was a three-day email campaign and single inquiry from The Australian newspaper.”

Even if the ABC wins the unfair dismissal case, the Lattouf saga has damaged the national broadcaster.

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