ABC rejects ACMA findings on Four Corners impartiality breach

The ABC managing director, Hugh Marks, has rejected findings from the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) regarding a Four Corners program titled ‘Sacrifice’. The media regulator concluded that the March 2025 episode, which investigated the Australian War Memorial redevelopment, failed its impartiality obligations by favoring a critical perspective.

ACMA stated the program failed in its analysis of the redevelopment consultation process, the selection of interviewees, and its treatment of an Australian National Audit Office report. The regulator argued the episode focused primarily on the report’s deficiencies rather than providing a balanced view.

In response, Marks argued that the regulator’s interpretation of the ABC’s code of practice could have a ‘chilling effect’ on investigative journalism. An ABC spokesperson added that the finding imposes ‘false balance’ on public interest reporting and fails to distinguish between explanatory and accountability interviews. The broadcaster confirmed it stands by reporter Mark Willacy and the Four Corners team, noting the program will remain available online in its entirety.