Kroger does not understand role of ABC board 8 May 2002
Mr Kroger must separate his political friendships from his role as an ABC Board member
ABC board member, Michael Kroger, it reported to have spoken directly to ABC reporter Chris Masters in an attempt to stop him making a program about the powerful broadcaster, Alan Jones. Mr Kroger is reported to be a friend of Mr. Jones.
Chris Masters has said that he believed that Mr Kroger behaved improperly in his role as a board member in speaking to him as he did. Shadow Communications Minister Lindsay Tanner said "Michael Kroger's interventions are part of a deliberate strategy to intimidate ABC program-makers and to make them think twice about criticising the Howard government".
Defending Mr Kroger Liberal MP Christopher Pyne, said Mr Kroger, and every other board member, had the right to tell ABC journalists that they should not do particular stories because of a risk of bias.
Responding to Christopher Pyne, ABC National Spokesperson, Darce Cassidy, said today:
"Mr. Kroger does not properly understand his role as a member of the ABC board. While it is Mr Kroger's right, indeed his duty, to express his views about the content of ABC programs at ABC board meetings, individual board members have no authority to act independently of the ABC board. Mr Kroger's remarks, as reported, could have intimidated a reporter less experienced and less resilient than Chris Masters.
"Moreover his ability to separate his political and personal views and friendships from his role as an ABC board member is open to question. Such an ability is rightly demanded of ABC staff, and is also an essential attribute for members of the ABC board.
"ABC Chairman Donald McDonald is to be congratulated for his reported defence of the Four Corners program"
……ends
