The ABC has admitted last night’s Q&A program “made an error in judgement” in allowing former terrorism suspect Zaky Mallah to join the Q&A audience and ask a question in a statement issued by the ABC this morning.
In last night’s episode, which was debating proposed changes to citizenship, Mallah said Coalition statements, such as those made by MP Steve Ciobo, were the reason young Islamic people were preparing to leave Australia and fight for Islamic State, after raising a question on what might have happened if politicians, not courts, had decided his case when he was charged and confined under Howard government terrorism laws in 2003.
Mallah later tweeted: “I would pay to see that Minister dumped on ISIS territory in Iraq”.
.@steveciobo says he would have banished a person for making threats of terrorism. #QandA http://t.co/zPeOcUMbbB
— ABC Q&A (@QandA) June 22, 2015
ABC Television director Richard Finlayson admitted the program “made an error in judgement” in allowing Mallah to join the audience of the the show, saying the circumstances of his appearance will be reviewed by the ABC.
“In attempting to explore important issues about the rights of citizens and the role of the Government in fighting terrorism, the Q&A program made an error in judgement in allowing Zaky Mallah to join the audience and ask a question,” he said.
“Mr Mallah has been interviewed by the Australian media on a number of occasions. The environment of a live television broadcast, however, meant it would not be possible for editorial review of the comments he might make prior to broadcast, particularly if he engaged in debate beyond his prepared question.”
Mallah was acquitted of two terrorism offences in 2005 but pleaded guilty to threatening to kill ASIO officials.
The ABC has this morning come under fire, from a number of quarters, for its decision to put him on-air.
Among the critics is News Corp columnist Rita Panahi who tweeted how, in January of this year, Mallah had said that she and fellow female columnist Miranda Devine were “whores” who should be “gangbanged on the Sunrise desk”.
The ABC confirmed it will now review the process which led Mallah to be brought onto the program but Finlayson also said: “Q&A will continue to raise issues that are provocative and controversial. There is always risk in undertaking live television. That is the nature of the Q&A program since it first aired in 2008.
“As has been the case in the past on Q&A, circumstances will happen that are not anticipated. The critical question is whether risks could have been managed and the right editorial judgments made in advance.
“The circumstances of Mr Mallah’s appearance will be reviewed by the ABC.”
Miranda Ward and Nic Christensen
The full statement:
In attempting to explore important issues about the rights of citizens and the role of the Government in fighting terrorism, the Q&A program made an error in judgement in allowing Zaky Mallah to join the audience and ask a question.
Mr Mallah has been interviewed by the Australian media on a number of occasions. The environment of a live television broadcast, however, meant it would not be possible for editorial review of the comments he might make prior to broadcast, particularly if he engaged in debate beyond his prepared question.
Tony Jones correctly and immediately ruled a statement made by Mr Mallah as out of order.
Q&A will continue to raise issues that are provocative and controversial. There is always risk in undertaking live television.That is the nature of the Q&A program since it first aired in 2008.
As has been the case in the past on Q&A, circumstances will happen that are not anticipated. The critical question is whether risks could have been managed and the right editorial judgments made in advance.
The circumstances of Mr Mallah’s appearance will be reviewed by the ABC.
Source: http://mumbrella.com.au
