ABC board launches internal investigation into explosive Michelle Guthrie claims
It’s been revealed the ABC board sacked Michelle Guthrie the day after it launched its own independent investigation.
The inquiry is being carried out by an “external, independent expert advisor” to investigate allegations of political interference.
It will look into “matters” raised by Ms Guthrie in a letter sent to the board on September 21, only days before her sacking.
The board then decided the investigation was needed on September 23.
Guthrie was sacked the next day, with chairman Justin Milne pointing to her relationship with the federal government as a factor.
But Mr Milne was himself forced to quit after it was revealed Ms Guthrie told the board he had requested she sack two journalists because the Coalition “hated” them.
It’s left Chris Smith asking why wouldn’t the board demand the results of the initial inquiry from Justin Milne, before axing Michelle Guthrie.
“I would’ve thought so,” says Andrew Bolt.
“Michelle Guthrie says that one of the reasons she was sacked… was because she said no to these appeals, the demands, requests by the chairman to go and sack particular reporters.”
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“Well if that is the case, and she rejected an improper demand, then that’s not a ground for dismissing her then I would’ve thought.”
But the failings of the board over the past few weeks has Chris seething.
“They should walk away, every one of them!”
“I think if you don’t fix the ABC now guys, you will pay for it in opposition if that bias is not tamed by a board that’s finally got the kahunas to do something about it,” says Andrew.