ABC radio broadcaster Charlie Pickering has described as “problematic” the ABC’s decision to appoint Grace Tame as a podcast host.
Meanwhile, ABC Drive host Pickering entered the fray when he emerged from the ABC studios in Melbourne on Tuesday to speak with a group protesting the ABC’s perceived political bias, and during an interview with serial right-wing agitator Avi Yemini when he voiced his concern about Tame’s appointment.
Be interesting to see what the ABC hierarchy thinks of this, particularly having key ABC talent deriding another ABC hire/talent, when the nature of her employment has nothing to do with any political views.
Yeah, that’s got to be up there with one of the most idiotic decisions he could make. I cannot believe anyone in any form of serious media would give that guy the time of day, but to be interviewed by him right before starting a new show on the ABC in Melbourne is just unbelievable. Does Charlie want to immediately alienate all his listeners?
These calls at the time all aging like a fine bottle of Grange.
Justin’s been around the traps, including recent fills on ABC Melbourne. Probably leans right of centre but have always found him pretty reasonable and articulate.
Charlie addressed the Grace Tame issue around 3:10pm this afternoon, essentially saying he doesn’t have a problem with her appointment to the podcast. He seemed to use the ‘I was taken out of context’ explanation for what occurred earlier in the week.
Not really a good look during week one on-air I would think.
Just sack him. You know you want to. We’ll happily send Thomas Oriti to Melbourne, in a crate with enough air holes so he doesn’t cark it on the plane, and we’ll find someone much more entertaining in Sydney.
Problem with Grace is she has an opinion and can’t help but express it, ABC should be this vanilla thing that everyone trusts. In a world of rage baiting I don’t think it’s a bad idea to loosen the chain a bit. So podcasting opinion left and right should be a good thing maybe call it abc before dark?
The ABC provided a statement to Crikey earlier this afternoon. The national broadcaster says there was no breach of its public comment guidelines or its code of conduct. https://t.co/jpx6FkJ5Vkpic.twitter.com/y2QWW3K2zl
Also I’ve hardly had a chance to listen to more than a couple of small chunks of 3LO Drive this week, but on both occasions the ABC News has come crashing violently through the middle of conversations. Like they just didn’t see it coming at all. Poor guests.
ABC managing director “Hollywood” Hugh Marks has been criticised for speaking at the public memorial for presenter James Valentine with ABC insiders saying it was inappropriate.
Sources close to Valentine say Marks’ appearance at the memorial was “tin-eared” given he admits he didn’t know the broadcaster.
On Thursday an ABC spokeswoman said Marks was included in the ceremony’s running order at the request of the events team.
“The corporate events team that produced ‘A Celebration of Life: James Valentine AM’ suggested either Hugh Marks as ABC managing director or Kim Williams as ABC chair speak on behalf of the ABC, given James’ 30 years of service to the ABC,” the spokeswoman said.
“At no time did either Mr Marks or Mrs Williams suggest speaking at the memorial.”
Rafael Epstein did an extended interview with Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush for Stateline, which was shown during the 7pm Victorian bulletin on ABC TV tonight.
